Following reports from town residents of problems with a group of travellers who set up camp at the Salt Mill in Saltash, Cornwall Council has issued an official statement and has begun legal process to remove the group from the site.
The official statement from Cornwall Council regarding the travellers at Saltash reads: “An officer from Cornwall Housing has visited the site to carry out statutory assessments.
“The Council has offered the group space at its designated site at South Treviddo, but this was refused.
“The Council is now moving forward with the legal process to direct the group to leave the site.”
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On Monday, Saltash Town Councillor Sarah Martin posted on Facebook: “A notice has gone up at the site at Salt Mill which gives the travellers a deadline to leave by. This has now passed so further action will commence.
“Any incidents within the community need to be reported straight to the police either on 999 if an emergency or 101 if not. If phones are busy then report it via the 101 email.
“You can also report them to the ASB team at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire-and-rescue-service/keeping-safe/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour-and-nuisance/report-anti-social-behaviour/"; TARGET="_blank">https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire-and-rescue-service/keeping-safe/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour-and-nuisance/report-anti-social-behaviour/. The ASB team work directly with the police.
“Reporting in any incidents is really important so please do take the time to do so but don’t hesitate to call 999 if you think it’s an emergency.
“The division Cornwall Councillor is Cllr Sheila Lennox-Boyd and she is happy to take calls if residents have concerns. Her number is 07808 164388. Any queries, please do get in touch.”
The travellers came to Saltash after having previously been moved on from Plympton by Devon and Cornwall Police. At the time Plympton police said on their Facebook page: “As most of you are aware by now we have used a police power to remove the travellers from St Marys playing fields. This was not a decision that was taken lightly and it is not common practice. During my 18 years service this is the first time I have witnessed it being used.
“We have been liaising closely with the community connections department within the council and I know they have been working tirelessly to try and resolve the issues raised by the community.
“This power will not be used routinely when travellers arrive at locations within Plymouth. The reason for this is clear. The police and council are normally able to have open dialogue with travellers and any issues we have reported are dealt with and the travelling community take responsibility for their actions.
“Unfortunately, in this instance this clearly has not been the case. We have had escalating anti-social behaviour resulting in reports of assaults and other offences that will not be tolerated. The neighbourhood team tried to work with the travellers, but their attitude was clear.”