Central Park in Plymouth has been taken over by travellers today after a Plymouth City Council bin lorry destroyed the folding access barrier, allowing easy access.
The metal gate, designed to prevent vehicles from driving into the park, now hangs bent and useless after the collision. Witnesses say the lorry struck the barrier, leaving the entrance completely open.
By this morning, five caravans had driven into the park and parked up on the grass. A council worker at the scene this afternoon confirmed to Plymouth Plus that it was one of the council’s own bin lorries that caused the damage.
One member of the group of travellers was amused at the situation and said to our reporter:
“It is not every day that we get let into these places and further caravans are on their way.”
The damage was inspected this afternoon and the council is drawing up plans for a repair. Another costly legal battle to remove the unauthorised encampment could now be on the horizon.
A Plymouth City Council spokesperson told Plymouth Plus:
“We’re aware of an unauthorised encampment in Central Park. “Access was gained after one of our vehicles on a routine round accidentally struck an access gate. Just 40 minutes later, the encampment arrived. “A Notice to Quit will be served on the group today. Meanwhile, bins and toilets will be provided so that the area can be kept tidy and to minimise any future clean-up costs.”
UPDATE:
Seamus McCoy
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