Travellers in Hurst Park – Updated 27/06/13

Unfortunately travellers moved caravans onto the Molesey Hurst Recreation park on Friday evening. They chainsawed through part of the wooden fence then drove up onto grass, and there have been reports of serious anti social behaviour by the occupants. 

MRA Councillors have been in urgent discussions with the Council’s officers about this dreadful incident.  The Council is fully aware of the situation, and are monitoring what the occupants are getting up to in close contact with the police.  They have applied to the Court for an urgent eviction notice, and are hopeful that this will be obtained quickly.

Unfortunately this cannot be resolved overnight, because the Council does have to go through a legal process, but they have stressed that they are moving things forward as quickly as possible.

MRA Councillors have asked the Council’s officers to keep them informed of developments, and we will post updated information as soon as it is available.

Elmbridge Council officers are continuing to liaise with the police, who are in the process of building a robust case against the travellers.  They have stressed the importance of anyone with any information about incidents relating to the travellers report them promptly by dialling 101.  They will need to be prepared to make a short statement when they phone the police, but it is vital that all incidents are reported to support the case for the urgent removal of the travellers.

UPDATE: The travellers left the Hurst Rec yesterday, the day before the Council’s Court hearing to evict them (they obtained the eviction notice today).  The Council now plans to install metal posts around the perimeter, and a height barrier at the Pavilion entrance, to minimise the risk of a recurrence.

They haven’t moved far, and are now on land next to Waterside Drive, near the Leisure Centre.

Published on Monday, June 10th, 2013
in General Interest