A group of travellers has set up camp in John Leigh Park, the second time an Altrincham park has been affected in three months.
Nine caravans and other assorted vehicles arrived this afternoon and are basing themselves on a patch of land between the tennis courts and the children’s play area.
Speaking to Altrincham Today, one of the travellers – who did not want to be named – said they were intending to stay for two weeks while awaiting an eviction order from the local authorities.
Below: The travellers’ caravans in John Leigh Park tonight
The man, who had an Irish accent, said the group had travelled up from the Midlands today.
He said they were a different group from the one that visited Grove Park Playing Fields off Thorley Lane in June.
On that occasion, the travellers stayed for only four days after being served a 24-hour eviction notice by Greater Manchester Police.
However, the travellers’ arrival is likely to prove disruptive given the densely populated nature of the area surrounding the park, and also the increased usage of the park during the summer holidays.
The travellers’ arrival is also likely to be a concern for the Friends of John Leigh Park, the local society who help to look after the park.
David Jolley, from the Friends of John Leigh Park, said he hoped the travellers would be removed “without delay” but that it was down to Trafford Council.
He said: “We are utterly shocked that this should happen. We find that the police are powerless to move the travellers on until Trafford MBC obtains a court order. Apparently the notice at the entrance to the park saying that unauthorised vehicular access is prohibited is of no consequence!
“The police are aware and have visited. They have taken numbers of the vehicles and asked the travellers to be respectful of the park and surroundings.
“Trafford MBC have been informed and two local councillors have been busy and helpful this evening trying to ensure that the legalities will be progressed without delay. Let’s hope this can be achieved. We then need to discover how to avoid this happening again.”
The park originates from 1917, when John Leigh of Beech Lawn in Altrincham bought the land and presented it to the council as a district park.
