Travellers flee leafy English village after police called over 'tense stand-off' with locals

Travellers have been forced to flee a field after police were called to a "tense stand-off" with locals.

Approximately 20 traveller caravans descended on the village green at Ombersley Memorial Hall in Worcestershire on the evening of Tuesday 28 July.

The travellers are believed to have cut through padlocks on the gates to reach the field, which is normally accessible only on foot and is regularly used by children.

Locals quickly mobilised to block the entrance, attempting to prevent additional caravans from joining the encampment.

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Police were called to the scene at around 5.45pm after the situation between residents and the travellers grew increasingly strained.

One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, described how a female resident positioned her car across the entrance to prevent anyone from getting in or out, a move the witness acknowledged was "probably not advisable."

Three or four locals had gathered at the site to physically obstruct further access.

The atmosphere was described as "quite tense," with rumours circulating that additional travellers were expected to arrive.

The anonymous resident also told Worcester News that members of the group had threatened to take down the large Memorial Hall gates to create an entry point for newcomers.

A makeshift barricade was subsequently erected at the entrance and remained in place the following morning.

Police swiftly invoked Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to compel the group to vacate the site.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Droitwich Lisa Hornberger said: "We gave the group notice at 9pm using police powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to ask them to move on and they left the site within an hour."

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The travellers had departed by the following morning, though the precise time of their exit remains unclear.

Inspector Hornberger added: "Today we will be meeting with representatives from Ombersley Parish Council to discuss the matter and address any concerns they may have."

By 7.10am on Wednesday morning, a group of residents had gathered to clear the litter left behind, filling a large black bin bag with rubbish.

Wychavon District Council said that the travellers had first attempted to access council-owned land earlier on Tuesday but were thwarted by security measures already in place.

Ian Edwards, director of economy and environment at the council, said: "We would encourage other landowners to consider similar measures and would be more than happy to provide advice on suitable options."

The green and play area are owned by the Memorial Hall Trust but kept open for community use.

In a message on Facebook, the parish council said: "Unfortunately, the children’s play area at Ombersley Memorial Hall is closed to the public with immediate effect due to an unlawful encampment of travellers who have located on the memorial hall green.

"The police have been notified along with the landowner and all relevant agencies who hold powers to take appropriate legal action."

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