Travellers arrive in West Park

COUNCIL HAS TO DEAL WITH THREE ENCAMPMENTS

- By CARL EVE

COUNCIL chiefs are currently dealing with three unauthorised encampments across the city, after a large group of Travellers moved on to Knowle Battery playing field, in West Park.

The site has repeatedly become an unexpected and unauthorised host to Travellers in recent years, and Plymouth City Council has confirmed it has been made aware of the most recent arrivals.

On Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said: “We're aware of two unauthorised encampments in the city. The first is at the George Park and Ride car park, and remains ongoing.

“The second encampment is at Hoskin Park, in Leigham. A Notice to Quit is being served on the group today and bins and toilets have been ordered so that the area can be kept tidy. The previous encampment at Central Park has now departed. Street Services have visited today to clean the area and secure the entrance to the park.”

However, in light of the latest arrival, the council has confirmed it is aware of the unauthorised encampment at the field off Ringmore Way, West Park, and it has attended the location and has already issued a Notice to Quit order.

A council spokesperson told The Herald: “We are aware of the new unauthorised encampment at Knowle Battery and we share residents' frustration that, despite recent attempts to secure the site, we find ourselves in this situation again.