A children’s football pitch has been left in disrepair after a group of travellers illegally set up camp, causing significant damage to the Ludgvan Lions Junior Football Club’s grounds near Penzance, Cornwall.
The incident unfolded on Thursday evening when at least six vehicles—ranging from trucks to caravans—drove onto the site, forming what authorities are now calling an “unauthorised encampment.”
Forced Entry and Aggressive Confrontation
The group gained access to the grounds by forcefully ripping off a gate and then driving across the pitch.
According to Joe Pritchard, the club’s vice-chairman, the travellers acted aggressively when confronted.
Despite being asked to leave, they remained on the site, displaying threatening behaviour.
“They were very aggressive and refused to move,” Pritchard explained.
The damage caused by the vehicles includes upturned nets and deep tyre tracks that span nearly the entire length of the pitch.
Ongoing Damage and Police Investigation
The situation has worsened over the past day, with the club continuing to suffer damage as the encampment remains.
The local police are now looking into the incident, with a statement confirming that they are investigating the reports of damage caused during the group’s access and the ongoing destruction.
Devon and Cornwall Police have been informed, and inquiries are underway to address the situation.
Another Recent Incident in Cornwall
This incident in Ludgvan follows closely on the heels of another concerning event in Cornwall.
Just a week ago, a dementia centre in Camborne had to temporarily close after a similar group of travellers set up camp outside the facility.
The travellers had been staying in a car park for weeks before being evicted after the local council issued an eviction notice.
The presence of the camp had raised serious concerns from residents, who complained about antisocial behaviour and unpleasant smells in the area.
Camborne Mayor James Ball addressed these concerns, emphasising the delicate nature of the situation and how difficult it would have been to evict the group had they gained access to the dementia centre’s parking lot.
Community Struggles With Unauthorised Encampments
Both incidents highlight growing frustrations in the area over unauthorised encampments, with local communities feeling the impact of these disruptions.
The dementia centre’s forced closure, which left patrons without access to parking, further illustrates the challenges that local facilities face in dealing with this issue.
It is clear that this ongoing problem will require further attention from local authorities to ensure that such incidents do not continue to disrupt local services and communities.
So, what happens next? With investigations underway and community tensions rising, it’s yet to be seen how authorities will resolve these ongoing issues.