Council banking on 'simplest' way to stop Travellers

BUT LOCALS SAY PARK'S TRENCHES AND MOUNDS ARE AN 'EYESORE' AND A 'CRACKPOT IDEA'

- By JOSEPH CONNOLLY

TRENCHES and bunds at a Nottingham playing field are the best way of stopping Traveller encampments there, says a city councillor - despite some residents opposing them.

The Meadows Recreation Ground, next to Victoria Embankment, has seen a huge rise in encampments on the large grassy area this year, says Labour's Michael Edwards.

In August, council officials began taking action after taking a "clear view that more protection needed to be offered to the grounds', the councillor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The officials set to work heightening the banks at the perimeter of the grounds in Wilford Lane, to prevent caravans from being able to drive on them. The work has been ongoing since, with the latest soil mounds placed along the Bathley Street side earlier this month.

But some people have taken issue with the measures.

Former Old Meadows Residents' Association member Margaret Spencer said: "I saw it the other day. It's ridiculous. We were campaigning for years for proper railings or bollards around that field.