Locals fume over traveller site where PC Andrew Harper's killers hid from police receiving £4.2m taxpayer-funded revamp

Locals have been left furious as a £4.2million taxpayer-funded traveller site renovation, where the killers of PC Andrew Harper’s killers hid, has been completed.

Residents have been perplexed as to why the renovation went ahead despite numerous objections, including from the police.

Council bosses went ahead with the renovation despite 50 formal objections, including from Thames Valley Police and PC Harper’s mother.

Carol Harris, an 81-year-old retiree, has lived nearby for over 30 years and told The Sun: “It is a law to itself down there.

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“We get mess up the lane, they fly tip on the lane when their bins overflow, which they always are. Just go down there and see for yourselves.

“The taxpayers splashed out on that camp for them and they just show no respect to it, I just despair really.”

PC Harper was killed in 2019. Following his death, Henry Long, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers hid at the Four Houses Corner traveller site in Ufton Nervet, Berkshire, where they destroyed evidence before eventually being arrested.

Another resident said: “I have seen families come and go for four decades now, previously I felt families managed their own communities better. They have passed on, and then it became a bit of a free-for-all down there.

“And now we just don’t really know what is going on, they keep themselves to themselves.

“The site itself is a waste of money, it is not right.

“They have pulled fences out, extended the site, and made it their own.

“From a resident’s point of view though, they largely keep themselves to themselves.

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“I think they probably are worried about how they are viewed by the local community.

“I think it would be a good step forward for the local community if we had more of an open relationship.

“As long as they behave themselves and are polite, then I have no issues.”

Cole and Bowers could be released under the early release scheme.

The rundown site was flattened in February 2024, as West Berkshire Council was preparing to approve the multi-million pound redevelopment.

A council spokesman defended the decision, saying: “Four Houses Corner Caravan Site has been a formal traveller’s site for many years. This site has been redeveloped and operational since September and provides important homes for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

“We need to deliver traveller accommodation and ensure we meet legal requirements. Suitable alternative sites do not exist in West Berkshire.

“Since the site re-opened, no specific concerns regarding site management have been raised directly with the council.

“The council have also not received any complaints or reports regarding animal welfare or illegal dog breeding.

"The site is managed by our Traveller Liaison Officer and council officers are on site every week.

“The redevelopment scheme which received planning permission is what has been implemented, including the boundary fences to the site.

“There have been no additional pitches created, and no additional residents have moved into the site. We are aware of a previous issue relating to a fence panel, which has since been resolved.

“Since the site re-opened, we have been working closely with tenants, local residents, the local community and partner organisations to support the successful and smooth running of the site.

“We’re confident the arrangements we have in place are appropriate and will keep these under review to ensure they remain so."

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