Travellers camped on Diglis Playing Field told to leave

There are five caravans and half a dozen cars on Diglis Playing Fields, which are owned by Worcester City Council.

The council confirmed that the camp was unauthorised and said it would use its powers “to ensure the travellers are moved on as soon as possible”.

City councillor Jabba Riaz said civil enforcement officers attended the site at 1pm yesterday (Thursday) alongside West Mercia Police.

He said a welfare check was conducted and that “council officers have taken the decision to take steps to regain possession of the land, starting with issuing a Notice under S.77 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994”.

READ MORE: Police will support illegal traveller encampment in Diglis

Cllr Riaz said: “This Notice informs the travellers that their occupation of the land is unlawful and will require them to vacate by 8pm on Friday, June 23.

“If they refuse to leave, the next step is to obtain a hearing at the Magistrates Court and to obtain an Order for Removal.”

He said council officers would be revisiting the site today (Friday) alongside police officers to serve the notice.

There are five caravans and half a dozen cars on Diglis Playing Fields (Image: NQ)

Inspector Tanya Beckett from the Worcester Safer Neighbourhood Team said there would be a visible police presence in the area.

Insp Beckett said: ‘‘We’ve been made aware of an illegal encampment located at Diglis playing fields, off Waverley Street in Worcester and police will support Worcester City Council when they serve notice to the site.

"We will continue to work closely with, and support the local authority and our partner agencies, to ensure the site is cleared at the earliest opportunity.

“We appreciate the concern this may be causing and want to reassure the community there will be a visible police presence in the area.”