Travellers at illegal camp in Shrewsbury told to move on
Travellers have been ordered to leave a playing field in Shrewsbury and could face action through the courts if they refuse, it was revealed today.
Officials at Shrewsbury Town Council today said they were monitoring developments at the Ashfield Playing Fields, off Ellesmere Road, closely with police and reassured residents that any damage would be "rectified".
They also said that vehicle access to Ashfield Road Recreation Ground could face further restrictions in future after the unauthorised traveller encampment was set up in the town on Tuesday.
Town council bosses visited the site on Wednesday to serve the half-a-dozen travellers with a notice to vacate the site by 9am on Monday, but court papers are also being prepared in case a formal eviction notice is required.
Helen Ball, clerk to the town council, said: "We were alerted to an unauthorised gipsy encampment at the Ashfield Road Recreation Ground on Tuesday evening.
"Council staff attended the site Wednesday morning to undertake a welfare visit, along with Shropshire council's gipsy liaison officer.
"A notice to quit the land has been served on the encampment to vacate the site by 9am on Monday.
"Whilst it is hoped that the travellers will leave of their own accord by that time, we will also make preparations in case they do not.
"The town council is drafting the necessary court papers to seek a formal eviction through the courts. Once the situation has been resolved we will rectify any damage and look at measures to further restrict vehicular access to this area."
