Bollards planned for Fylde sites to ward off travellers

Bollards could be installed on some recreational fields in Fylde to prevent travellers moving onto the sites.
Travellers at Ramsgate Road Park, St AnnesTravellers at Ramsgate Road Park, St Annes
Travellers at Ramsgate Road Park, St Annes

The plan comes after several instances of caravans setting up camp in areas of St Annes, the latest at Ramsgate Road last weekend.

It was the second time in several weeks that travellers had moved onto that site, with he first coming just days after another group had occupied part of nearby Blackpool Road North Playing Fields.

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A Fylde Council spokesman said: “An unauthorised encampment was set up on Ramsgate Road playing field on August 7.

“Officers visited the site the following day to carry out a welfare assessment, and based on the lack of facilities on the site and the details provided in the assessment by the occupants a Direction to Leave was issued.

“Plans are in place to provide bollards or fencing on several playing fields in the area to deter unauthorised encampments on sites that are unsuitable for the occupants as well as the local community.”

Ward councillor Karen Henshaw said: “This is the second time in a month that the travellers have trespassed on Ramsgate Road park and understandably the residents are very angry.

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“This concern will not go away - will the council now have to protect every open space in Fylde?

“Funding has been approved for Blackpool Road North Playing Fields to have bollards installed but when I am told that they were waiting for the drain problem to be sorted out.”

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