‘Crime and anti-social behaviour’ reported at ‘illegal’ city traveller’s camps

Police have confirmed they have received reports of crime and anti-social behaviour at an “illegal” travellers’ camp on the outskirts of Hereford.

The travellers appear to have set up camp on open land at Old School Lane to the north of the city earlier this month, before relocating at the weekend to an area of sports pitches at Belmont Abbey off the A465 to the southwest of Hereford, where around 14 caravans and campervans currently stand.

The site is understood to be leased by the abbey, a Benedictine monastery, to local youth football cub Toros FC, which has already had to cancel a youth football event planned on the pitches.

West Mercia Police inspector James Ashton said officers were “aware of local concerns around an illegal encampment”, and were “working with partners, including landowners and the local council, to find a resolution to the situation”.

“We’ve received a small number of reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in these areas, which are being dealt with appropriately by our officers,” he said.

“I’d encourage anyone who has concerns around anti-social behaviour or crimes to report them to us so that we can take action.”

Earlier in a now-deleted Facebook post, Toros had urged members and supporters to contact the authorities regarding the camp, “as there is no sign they are going to move on easily”.

The post alleged the travellers “have caused criminal damage to our property and used threatening behaviour towards members of our club”.

A follow-up post then said that “due to the overwhelming response, Herefordshire Council have politely asked us not to send in any more reports or concerns”, pointing out that “as our ground is private land, they have no jurisdiction over it”.

“We are in the process of obtaining legal advice from a local solicitor, and due to meet a police officer shortly,” the club said.

A local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I opened the blinds on Sunday morning to see the caravans – I was a bit shocked.

“We have since altered how we use the field. I have been walking my dog earlier, while they are still in bed.”

Toros, Herefordshire Council and Belmont Abbey were also approached for comment.