Clean-up cost fears as travellers set up camp in Telford

Caravans and cars appeared on a grass verge close to Quality Industries Ltd off Stafford Park 18 yesterday morning.

Telford & Wrekin Council does not yet know who the site belongs to.

The latest camp to spring up has angered local businesses who say that the travellers are putting a strain on their finances due to the cost of the subsequent clean-up operation.

One unnamed company in the area has set up giant sandbags filled with plastic beads on a grass verge to stop travellers parking on its land.

Jane Barlow, a HR manager at Quality Industries Ltd, said that the last time travellers camped near their business it cost more than £3,000 to clear up.

She said: "We are a company which is trying to keep people in their jobs and it is frustrating for us when we have to spend money cleaning up after them.

"The last time the travellers came here, it was about 12 weeks ago, and when we cleared up after them it cost us in excess of £3,000.

"The council has said it does not know whose the land is so it cannot do anything. We don't own the land so we can't pay for a private bailiff.

"The police came down and spoke to them but they have said they can't do anything either," she added.

"As a business we don't feel supported by the police or the council.

"We are trying to run a business and we have to concentrate on keeping travellers away rather than keeping our employees in jobs."

Highway

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "We have been down to Stafford Park and explained to them their responsibilities and we will be monitoring this camp."

Emily Knightley, a spokeswoman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The council will be taking action to move these travellers on as the land they are on forms part of the adopted highway."