Clean-up bill in the thousands as travellers refuse to leave - in pictures

Ed Holmes

02 May 2008

CLEANING-UP after travellers camped in the shadow of Warwick Castle is set to cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds.
A handful of caravans moved onto Myton Fields last week but despite a promise to Warwick District Council to move-on after a horse fair in Kenilworth at the weekend, there are now two separate English and Irish communities on the site and around 30 mobile homes.
The Irish travellers moved onto Myton Fields after spending last week on a council car park next to Warwick Racecourse, leaving it piled high with rubbish.
It is now not known how long either set of travellers intends to stay, but a large horse racing meeting in the town on Bank Holiday Monday could see them remain for at least another weekend.
The council is now taking legal action to remove the unwelcome visitors from its land as quickly as possible. Rubbish is already piling up and the usually green field has been cut up by vehicle tyres.
A council spokesman said: "It is regrettable that the travellers have not kept their promise to move on. Also regrettable is the considerable build up of of refuse which the travellers had also promised to remove.
"The estimated costs to remove waste material from the previous occupation of a site in Kenilworth last year was put at £1,400.
"Given the larger numbers involved in the current occupation it is likely costs will be higher. It is however impossible to speculate on the actual final costs until they have moved on and a full assessment can be made.
"Legal action will commence at the earliest opportunity."
Myton Road residents are also concerned at the growing number of travellers on the site and how easily they were able to set up camp.
One neighbour told The Observer: "I am amazed the council has allowed the travellers to get onto such an important site - surely Myton Fields should be secure enough to prevent unauthorised access.
"Aside from the potential impact on residents, I worry what it will do for the local economy as we approach the start of what will be a very difficult tourist season.
"I can well imagine people who would normally park on Myton Fields, being put off from a summer's afternoon in St Nicholas' Park or a tour round the castle."

Council cannot cope with red box demand»

'Bin rage' attacks on the up as householders revolt»

Sixties sounds at Spa Centre»

Home from home tale at Priory »

Loving the laughs »

Rising piano star at Ullenhall»

Manj goes global»

Shakespeare's birthday - picture special»

Animals galore at bumper Kenilworth Show»

Cash-strapped churches may hear death knell»

Appeal date for sacked pilot»

Share your peaceful memories»

Nizlopi singer launches community centre»

Nelly is back for a wash»

Mandela gives Leamington charity the thumbs up»

Canoe-dling for canine cash»

Suitably charitable»

Cycleway changes up a gear»

Award nomination for courageous teen»

The sky's the limit for college pair»