Road rage as travellers move into nursery field (From Bournemouth Echo)

Road rage as travellers move into nursery field

8:00am Friday 30th July 2010

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TRAVELLERS have gained entry to a field near Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth.

Six caravans arrived on the field near the sheltered work opportunities project in Northbourne, at around 8.30am yesterday.

Witnesses said there were angry exchanges between motorists and travellers after traffic was held up while travellers attempted to access the council-owned land.

The travellers were also said to have a number of “aggressive” dogs running loose.

One passer-by said: “I became aware of all this vehicle noise, looked up and suddenly saw the trailers coming in. There was a bit of angry shouting as I think it blocked the traffic because there were so many trailers trying to get in to the little side road.

“Their dogs were running around that are quite aggressive.”

Seventeen-year-old Marie Kelly and her mother Mary, 49, who were walking their dogs on the field, said they felt “intimidated” by the travellers’ dogs.

Marie said: “We were just walking across the field and their dogs started coming over and trying to attack ours. It was unpleasant.”

Jessica Davies, manager at Cherry Tree Nursery, said that the travellers were in the far field and not adjacent to the nursery.

She added: “Our concern is that this has to remain a safe haven for people. They broke in this morning and stopped traffic so our people couldn’t get in and were all very upset because they felt invaded.

“If they don’t upset our volunteers, we have no problem with them being there.”

Bournemouth council said it was “working jointly” with Dorset Police to take action over the travellers.

Cllr Rod Cooper, cabinet member for economy, leisure and tourism, said: “Our council officers and Dorset Police have taken swift action following this recent traveller encampment. They will be doing all they can, taking necessary legal action to move the travellers on as soon as possible.”

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