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29
May 2024
Illegal traveller encampment arrives at Harrogate park
North Yorkshire Council today said it is considering ways to further secure a Harrogate park after an illegal traveller encampment arrived.
The Stray Ferret yesterday received reports of the encampment, which was set up on Oatlands playing fields just off Hookstone Road.
The land, which is frequently used by dog walkers and families in the play area, is council-owned.
It comes just nine days before Appleby Horse Fair, which starts next Thursday (June 6), and attracts thousands of travellers each year.
The Stray Ferret contacted the council to ask how it proposed to move the travellers on, as well as what long-term measures are in place to prevent repeat encampments.
The council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, today said:
“Following reports from the public we visited Oatlands recreation ground and served notice on those illegally camped to move.
“The council is following the legal processes in place to deal with illegal encampments, which it is important are followed. We will continue to work with North Yorkshire Police in relation to this matter.
“The site will be cleared, and we will consider if we can secure the space further.”
The traveller encampment.
The travellers were still at the site today (May 29).
But this is not the first time traveller communities have set up camps around Harrogate.
A group of traveller families last year set up camp on Ashville College's sports field off Yew Tree Lane.
Police officers conducted regular patrols at the time.
In July 2022, almost 20 vehicles arrived at the Oatlands site, having gained access from Hookstone Road. A post blocking traffic from entering the park had subsequently been removed after their arrival.
The now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council said it had “started legal proceedings” after being made aware of the camp at the time.
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