Travellers accused of causing carnage after setting up camp on Shrewsbury golf course
Travellers have been accused of stealing balls, clubs and assaulting players after setting up on a golf course.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The group arrived at Meole Brace Golf Club in Shrewsbury on Saturday.
The club has shared pictures of damage to greens and a fairway. They tried to continue as usual on Sunday but said the disruption the travellers were causing has forced them to close.
A club spokesman said yesterday: "Unfortunately, it is with great regret that we have had to close the golf course for a few days! Travellers broke into the golf course on Saturday evening and set up camp in the 6th fairway!
"We tried to continue with business as usual on Sunday, but many of our players were, harassed, intimidated and in at least one case assaulted by the travellers kids!
"Balls and clubs stolen and several cases of vandalism to the course.
"Hopefully they are being evicted by bailiffs today before they do any more harm. We appreciate your patience while we try to get rid of the problem and repair and clean up the mess and damage caused!"
One club member, Melvyn Bailey, said: ""I've been going to the golf club for years, we play once a week on a Friday.
"I've been on a cycle ride today and cycled by and saw the caravans. They've chopped up all the green.
"It's a crying shame, it's over 100 years old, that club.
"With the nice weather it's really annoying - we missed a lot of last winter because it got water logged."
A Shropshire Council spokesman said: "After negotiations with the travellers, we attempted to open the golf course on Sunday morning with a slightly adapted layout as to not interfere with the vehicles, and with the agreement that no mess, damage or interference would be caused by them. However, after numerous incidents, reports of antisocial behaviour and damage to the greens, the decision was made to close the course entirely until the travellers have vacated the site.
"The police have visited the site this morning and it appears that the travellers are preparing to move on today.
"We will now undertake the necessary repairs and look at preventative measures to secure the site."
