Bid to bar travellers from Warwick site

A group of 13 caravans left Spartan Close off Tachbrook Park drive on Tuesday after being served with an injunction by highway authority Warwickshire County Council, which is responsible for the street.

The street, behind industrial units near Warwick Gates, has been the site of nine encampments since January.

Warwick district councillor Tony Heath (Ind, Whitnash) said that despite being supplied with wheelie bins, the travellers had left rubbish strewn about the street.

He said: “The mess they have left is disgraceful. They have no respect.”

Cllr Heath called for measures to stop travellers using the road, suggesting a permanent injunction. At present, officials can ban caravans for up to three months, but must consider families’ education and health needs.

He added: “Now we are faced with a clean-up bill. Council taxpayers are going to have to fork out yet again.

“It’s time to put a stop to this, once and for all.”

Warwickshire County Council Gypsy and traveller service officer Rob Leahy said a permanent injunction was not possible, but added that a meeting had already taken place between businesses, the council and police to find a solution, with another scheduled for next week.