Harrogate’s Ashville College has reported the theft of batteries from lighting towers to police after travellers left the school’s playing fields.
Caravans departed the fields on Yew Tree Lane yesterday after an altercation, believed to be between two travellers, on Saturday night.
It was the second time in a fortnight caravans had pitched up at Ashville, sparking safeguarding concerns about pupils returning to the fee-paying school this term.
A spokesman for Ashville College said today:
“The travellers who arrived on Saturday and set up an illegal camp on our sports pitches have finally left.
“However, since their departure, we have discovered that a number of batteries from two lighting towers have been stolen. In addition to cutting wires, the culprits have also damaged the lifting mechanisms, and we have reported this to the police.
“We would like to thank the local policing team for their support and their continued on-site presence was a great comfort to members of staff and returning boarding pupils.”
Read more:
- Travellers depart Harrogate’s Ashville College after fracas leaves man in hospital
- ‘We will not resort straight away to criminal prosecution’ of travellers, say police
North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this afternoon the travellers had moved on “following intervention by Harrogate’s neighbourhood policing team”.
The statement added officers have been “working with land owners including the council to ensure security is maintained at other potential sites around the district”.
Travellers also descended on Hay-a-Park rugby field in Knaresborough last month.
Chief Inspector Andy Colbourne said:
“Communication is key in resolving community matters such as this, which can cause tensions on all sides if they are not managed properly.
“By working closely with all concerned as well as the wider local community, we’ve been able to help deliver a relatively swift resolution and prevent any further disruption.”
