COUNCIL chiefs have unveiled their plan to clamp down on illegal encampments in Pershore’s Abbey Park with a consultation on plans for a new barrier to surround the site.
A three-week consultation has been launched on the final design to confirm there is enough public support for the proposal before work is carried out, as it will alter the look and feel of the park.
The design uses a mixture of knee height rails and boulders to create a physical barrier around the park, while still allowing easy access for people through entry points.
Other options considered included creating bunds, ditches and a full line of boulders to create a barrier around the park.
These have been ruled out because it was felt they would not be as effective as other measures and would have a significant impact on the character of the park.
It is hoped the barrier will prevent a repeat of recent events, which have seen travellers illegally occupy the land for several days on two separate occasions.
Instances of threatening behaviour to residents, excessive noise and petty theft were all reported and saw Wychavon District Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the town’s MP Harriett Baldwin all make their voices heard.
Last week the Observer reported on calls from former Mayor of Pershore Coun Charles Tucker for answers from West Mercia Police on what he branded an ‘invasion’ by travellers.
Coun Tucker highlighted the complaints over the apparent lack of action to deter the incursion onto Abbey Park compared to the police’s ‘vigorous’ efforts to prevent access onto land at Eckington when the travellers finally departed.
Coun Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “The changes we have to make to the park to protect it from unauthorised encampments will alter its look and feel and it’s important we know there is public support for this course of action.
“As well as the barrier, we are also looking at legal deterrents.
“We’re aware there have been authorised encampments elsewhere in the district recently on our land and we are looking at the vulnerability of those sites and what additional security measures, if any, can be put in place.
“I urge residents in Pershore and users of Abbey Park to get involved in the consultation,” he added.
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/park-and-open-spaces/parks and click on the link by 11pm on Sunday, September 12 to make your voice heard.
