Calls for Torbay to protect land from travellers

Picnickers disturbed as caravans arrive

Calls have been made today for an investigation into the way Torbay protects its public spaces after a large group of travellers set up camp on Paignton Green.

More than 20 cars, vans and caravans pulled on to the seafront green last night [Wednesday 28 June]. They got on through a gateway at the Redcliffe end of the North Green, and the following morning the heavy metal gate installed to stop unauthorised seafront encampments was wide open.

It is not clear if the gate had been left open accidentally, or had been broken open deliberately.

Cllr Christine Carter (Lib Dem) represents Roundham with Hyde, which includes the green and the seafront area. She said she is dismayed to see another group of travellers setting up camp.

In the past two weeks there has been a stand-off between local residents and travellers at Galmpton Warborough Common, with large numbers of police sent to defuse the situation.

On the same afternoon, another large group of travellers gained access to the Torbay Velopark at Clennon Valley and stayed for a week, causing sports events to be cancelled.

“I am very concerned and annoyed that the travellers have managed to get on to a prime tourist site,” said Cllr Carter. “They were swearing and shouting at the people already on the green enjoying picnics and playing games. People were having to jump away from the many cars towing caravans on the green.

“The question is, was the gate unlocked already or did they force entry? If it was unlocked, then why and who left it like that?

“This is the third time this year to my knowledge that travellers have gained access to places that were supposed to be secured against illegal encampments.

“What is going on? Why are we spending tens of thousands of pounds on making areas secure, as this does not seem to be working and is simply a waste of money?

“Let alone the additional costs of sorting the illegal encampment and clearing up afterwards.”

Cllr Carter has contacted the council’s chief executive Anne-Marie Bond calling for an investigation.

A spokesman for Torbay Council said: “We can confirm there is currently an unauthorised encampment with a number of Travellers on site on Paignton Green North (Redcliff end) and we are following our usual procedures, starting with a site visit today.

“You can find out more about our procedures for dealing with unauthorised encampments on our website: