Travellers set up camp on football pitch as 'all games cancelled'

Travellers at Redcar Athletic (Image: Newsquest)

Travellers have set up camp on a football pitch on the North Yorkshire coast at the same time a facility in York has also been affected.

A convoy of around a dozen caravans moved in on Redcar Athletic’s ground, off Green Lane, on Sunday (August 9).

It comes as Travellers have also pitched up in Chesney Fields in York's Foxwood Lane on Monday morning.

READ MORE:Group of Travellers pitch up on Chesney Fields in York

Travellers pitch up in Chesney Fields, Foxwood Lane, York. They were due to be served notice by the council on Monday (August 10)

(Image: Westfield Ward Liberal Democrats)

The Travellers arrived on the playing fields, also used by a local football club, over the weekend.

Westfield ward councillor Andrew Waller said police had visited Chesney Fields where entrance had been made through a gap in low fencing, which is how Travellers previously entered the site in May.

“I’m following through the issue,” he told The Press. “[Chesney Fields] is used for recreation and the football team needs to use it.”

Images taken this morning in Redcar show a string of caravans and other vehicles parked on the grass and lined up beside the fence running along the Coast Road in Redcar.

Kirkleatham ward councillor Alec Brown said the football club had to cancel all games on the pitch yesterday as a result.

He later said that he had spoken with the council and police following reports of vehicles doing donuts on the pitch.

Cleveland Police has confirmed that officers are aware of the encampment being set up and are speaking with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Travellers at Redcar Athletic

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“This is not about demonising the entire traveller community, but people that are challenging the response need to understand this is a kids football pitch and all games have had to be cancelled,” he said in a statement on Facebook.

He said he understands that, after speaking with council officers, the travellers are on holiday and planned to stay at the site for two weeks.

“And for people blaming the council, there are many places they can pay to tour with caravans just like we all have to when we go on a caravan holiday," he said.

A force spokesperson said: “Officers are aware of an encampment on Redcar Athletic's field on Sunday 9 August and are speaking with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.”

The council and football club have been contacted for more information.