Travellers take over village cricket ground and spark fury by parking caravans on the wicket

Published: 11:22, 28 May 2026 | Updated: 11:22, 28 May 2026 Travellers have moved onto a village cricket ground, sparking anger after vehicles were seen parked directly on the wicket at the centre of the pitch. Aerial images show around 15 caravans and motorhomes spread across Clayton Recreation Ground in Clayton, with most positioned around the edge of the cricket field. Two vehicles were visibly parked on the square itself, raising fears that the playing surface could be damaged. Four additional cars were also seen on the site, alongside litter scattered across the ground.  Residents said the group arrived on Tuesday night, prompting concern among locals about the condition of the pitch and the disruption to the community's summer sport. Social media reaction was swift, with residents describing the situation as 'out of order' and warning that tyre marks on the wicket could cause lasting damage to the carefully maintained surface.  Two vehicles were visibly parked on the square itself, raising fears that the playing surface could be damaged Others noted the high cost of maintaining cricket grounds and questioned how access had been so easily gained. The incident has added to growing frustration in rural communities across England, where similar unauthorised encampments and developments have repeatedly caused controversy.  In nearby West Chiltington, around 20 miles away, residents recently reported heavy machinery and tarmac being laid across a greenfield site close to the Nyetimber wine estate, despite enforcement action from Horsham District Council. That site is among several recently highlighted in a series of so-called 'land grab' cases, where fields have been rapidly developed over weekends or holiday periods using heavy equipment before enforcement action can take effect.  In some cases, mobile homes have later been moved in once hardstanding has been laid. Other recent examples include developments in Essex and Cambridgeshire.  Aerial images show around 15 caravans and motorhomes spread across Clayton Recreation Ground Here councils have issued stop notices or sought High Court injunctions after travellers began laying hardcore and installing caravans on greenfield land, often amid claims that works were timed to coincide with reduced council staffing over weekends. Authorities have previously warned that such cases can be difficult to reverse once groundworks are completed, as retrospective planning applications are then submitted for change of use. In Clayton, residents said the cricket pitch remains a key part of village life, and there are concerns that any damage to the wicket could affect fixtures throughout the summer season. Local authorities have not yet confirmed what enforcement action, if any, will be taken at the recreation ground. Keymer & Hassocks cricket club, who play at the ground, have been contacted for comment.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.