Memorial Park barriers to be strengthened to stop travellers getting in again

[dutchman]

Travellers have finally left the War Memorial Park after breaking down bollards that were just weeks old



New barriers at Coventry’s War Memorial Park will be strengthened after travellers got past them last week.

The security measures cost the city council just under £6,000 to install just five weeks ago but proved ineffective when four caravans moved in.

A padlock was cut away and a bollard pulled out of the ground to gain entry on Thursday night.

The travellers left the site on Monday after the council threatened to send in the bailiffs.

However, the council can’t start reinforcement work straight away as the park is currently being prepared to host the Godiva Festival this weekend.

The annual festival will see the likes of The Charlatans and Scouting For Girls performing for tens of thousands of music fans.

The unauthorised travellers camp is the third this year to be set up at the park, which was created in memory of the 2,587 Coventrians who died between 1914 and 1918 fighting in the First World War.

Coun Allan Andrews, who represents Earlsdon ward, said after the barriers were installed: “These measures in our premier park were necessary to protect the park from further illegal encampments from travellers.

“But we’ve always been clear that we want the park to continue to be visually attractive and welcoming to law-abiding people throughout the city and the wider region.

“I am delighted the work is now complete but we’ll continue to monitor the park and other open spaces as this game of cat and mouse isn’t over.”

Earlier this year, around 20 caravans camped at the site for a week after arriving over the Easter weekend.

When they eventually left, council workers had a mass clean-up operation to clear piles of rubbish and blocked drains.

However, the council had a minimal amount of mess to clear up this time around.

[Melisandre]

They need automatic rising bollards.