Incident Report
Introduction to the Incident
A children’s football pitch has been damaged by a group of ‘aggressive’ travellers who forced their way in and are refusing to leave.
At least six vehicles including trucks, motorhomes and a caravan formed an ‘unauthorised encampment’ at Ludgvan Lions Junior Football Club near Penzance, Cornwall, on Thursday evening.
The group forced their way into the site by ripping off a gate before driving their vehicles directly across Ludgvan Lions’ football pitch, according to Club vice-chairman Joe Pritchard.
Details of the Damage
After being confronted, Mr Pritchard said the travellers refused to move and were ‘very aggressive’ and ‘threatening’.
Photos of the damage show upturned nets and deep tyre tracks stretching across almost the length of the pitch, with the travellers’ many vehicles parked nearby.
At least six vehicles including trucks, motorhomes and a caravan set up an ‘unauthorised encampment’ at Lugdvan Lions Junior Football Club, near Penzance, Cornwall, on Thursday evening
The group forced their way into the football club by ripping off a gate before driving their vehicles directly across the club’s pitch
Photos of the damage show upturned nets and deep tyre tracks stretching almost the length of the pitch, with the travellers’ vehicles parked nearby
Police Investigation
The club is believed to have suffered further damage since the group set up camp around a day ago.
Devon and Cornwall Police are now investigating the matter.
A police statement read: ‘Police have received reports of an unauthorised encampment in the area of Ludgvan Community Centre and the football pitch.
‘It has been reported that damage has caused in order for access to be gained and further damage to the sites also caused.
‘The local neighbourhood and response units have been informed for enquiries to be made.’
Related Incidents
Frustrations over the unauthorised encampment in Cornwall come just a week after a dementia centre was forced to close in the county after a group of travellers set up camp outside the charity’s HQ.
A fleet of caravans and other vehicles pitched up close to the Reflections community hub in Camborne on April 10.
Pictured are the defensive concrete barriers that were installed to stop travellers accessing the car park of a dementia charity last week
Camborne Mayor James Ball said he was aware of concerns over alleged ‘antisocial behaviour’.
Speaking to MailOnline, he added: ‘This is a very delicate situation. The caravans in the area have been evicted from another area.
‘Concrete bollards were put in place as a preventative measure to stop them getting into car park of the dementia centre.
‘If they got into it, it would have made it tricky. It would have meant a whole civil action to evict them and we would have had to wait for weeks to get the bailiffs in.’
The charity were forced to close their doors to patrons for ‘at least a week’ after being left with no access to parking.
Conclusion
The incident at Ludgvan Lions Junior Football Club is a concerning example of the impact that unauthorised encampments can have on local communities.
The damage caused to the football pitch and the disruption to the charity’s activities are a significant concern, and it is essential that the authorities take swift action to address the situation.
FAQs
Q: What happened at Ludgvan Lions Junior Football Club?
A: A group of travellers set up an unauthorised encampment on the football pitch, causing damage and disruption to the club’s activities.
Q: How did the travellers gain access to the site?
A: The travellers forced their way into the site by ripping off a gate and driving their vehicles directly across the football pitch.
Q: What is being done to address the situation?
A: Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the matter, and the local neighbourhood and response units have been informed for enquiries to be made.
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Fury as travellers tear up children’s football pitch by setting up camp and parking caravans all over it
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