Travellers recently established a camp in “The Rec”, a field adjacent to the car park of Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton on Thursday, 18th July, departing on Saturday, 20th July. Their presence necessitated the automatic closure of the Leisure Centre for the safety of staff and to mitigate potential damage. The Centre is scheduled to resume operations on Sunday, 21st July.
The Rec is typically leased by Crediton Rugby Club from Queen Elizabeth’s Academy Trust Educational Foundation, and it is understood that the rugby club obtained an injunction requiring the travellers to vacate the premises by 2.30pm.
In an official statement, the Crediton Rugby Club conveyed their satisfaction with the departure of the travellers from The Rec. They also referenced their collaboration with local authorities and expressed appreciation for the received support. However, they are now confronted with the task of clearing the mess left behind, including a bonfire on one of the pitches, broken glass, litter, and an excessive amount of garden waste. The removal of evidence of a garden hedge trimming service operated by one or more of the travellers will also be a formidable undertaking. Furthermore, the club expressed their dismay at the damage inflicted upon one of the pitches and the gate, in addition to the presence of excrement at the site.
In the wake of the departure of the travellers, the gate to The Rec has been secured with a padlock. It is known that the group had previously been situated in Cullompton and were reportedly en route to Okehampton after leaving Crediton.
The situation at The Rec serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent issue of unauthorised encampments and the associated challenges. It underscores the significance of implementing proactive measures to safeguard public and private property from potential damage and misuse.
In conclusion, the recent events at The Rec in Crediton have raised concerns regarding the impact of unauthorised encampments on public and private spaces. The incident underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts between local authorities and affected parties to address and prevent such occurrences in the future.