Travellers move on to school playing fields

Churning up the entrance to the playing fields

TRAVELLERS have set up camp on a school playing field after breaking down barriers to let their caravans in.

Council officers were made aware of the problem after 40 caravans were seen leaving the A627M at the Elk Mill roundabout at 5pm yesterday.

The council’s First Response team and Oldham police discovered the travellers setting up home in the grounds of St Anne’s Primary in Broadway.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “Our Environmental Health team were immediately informed about this development but — due to legal constraints — they must wait until Wednesday morning to formally begin the necessary procedures to get the travellers to quit the site.

“Already this year we have had similar unauthorised encampments within the Oldham borough at Haggate, Chadderton, Oldham Edge, Shaw and at Mumps.

“This has caused understandable annoyance within the local community and the cost of cleaning up after travellers left a mess on other sites has run into thousands of pounds. That cash would have been far better spent on other services.”

Julie Turner, who lives in Windmill Close, which backs on to the school field, said: “The travellers started arriving about tea time and towing caravans on to the playing field. They had to break down a barrier to get in and some of the caravans are right up against the fencing behind our homes.

“ I can see what’s on the TV in the caravan closest to my house. We are all really worried about the mess that is probably going to be left behind.

“The police are keeping us informed of what’s happening so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they will be moved on as soon as possible.”