Yorkshire council to take legal action over traveller camp at children's playground

By Tony Gardner
Published 1st Jun 2023, 16:22 BST
Updated 1st Jun 2023, 16:23 BST
A Yorkshire council has has confirmed it is to take legal action over a traveller camp

Caravans are understood to have been moved onto playing fields near to a children’s playground in Thornes Park on Wednesday afternoon (May 31).

Antony Sadler, Wakefield Council’s service director for communities, said: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment of travellers.

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“We have visited the site and have started legal action to try and move them on as quickly as possible.”

Wakefield Council has confirmed it is to take legal action over a traveller camp in Thornes Park. Caravans and vehicles are understood to have been moved onto playing fields near to a children’s playground on Wednesday afternoon (May 31).Wakefield Council has confirmed it is to take legal action over a traveller camp in Thornes Park. Caravans and vehicles are understood to have been moved onto playing fields near to a children’s playground on Wednesday afternoon (May 31).
Wakefield Council has confirmed it is to take legal action over a traveller camp in Thornes Park. Caravans and vehicles are understood to have been moved onto playing fields near to a children’s playground on Wednesday afternoon (May 31).

Thornes Park is registered as a Grade II listed historic park and garden.

Ian Deighton, chair of Friends of Clarence, Holmfield and Thornes Parks (CHaT), said: “This is not vacant land.

“A lot of investment has gone into the children’s playground recently and we hope it doesn’t stop young people enjoying it.”

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Mr Deighton said there had been other illegal encampments recent years but at different locations within the park.

He added: “Hopefully this can be resolved quickly without any damage being caused to the park.”

Related topics:YorkshireWakefield CouncilGrade II