Hundreds of residents could descend on Barony Park next weekend to protest against Cheshire East Council’s lack of action to protect it from unauthorised encampments.
Friends of Barony Park campaign group are organising the “peaceful protest” to show Cheshire East chiefs the strength of feeling of the community.
The park has suffered 12 unauthorised traveller encampments already in 2019, with some resulting in anti-social behaviour, dangerous driving and litter.
It has left many residents unable to use the park, and Everybody Leisure has also closed its facilities during some of the encampments.
Now campaigners are taking the park on Saturday September 7 to protest as Cheshire East Council continues to dither over action to protect the park.
Thousands of leaflets have been delivered house to house to encourage as many people as possible to join the protest.
Rachel Cole, of Friends of Barony Park, said: “It is a peaceful protest from Friends of the Barony Park group residents. All welcome to support our campaign.
“The peaceful protest is being held on Saturday September 7 at 10am meeting at the corner of Barony Road/Park View.
“The protest is in relation to Cheshire East inaction on securing a transit site and inaction on promoting injunctions to protect the park from further unauthorised encampments.
“The town council has been extremely supportive of residents and their ongoing dialogue has been very helpful.”
Rachel and Dr Kieran Mullan, who has led calls for a court injunction to remove travellers more swiftly, are expected to address the crowd during the protest.
Cheshire East Council referred us to a statement issued on July 30.
Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “Cheshire East Council continues to explore the options for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller transit site.
“While this work is carried out, we are considering other mechanisms to deal with the increase in unauthorised encampments.
“We recognise that this is an important issue to residents and communities and we are seeking a long-term solution.”
Cheshire East Council leader Cllr Sam Corcoran said: “I am aware of the distress and inconvenience caused by unauthorised encampments and I have been actively looking into what action can be taken by this council to address the situation.
“Whilst providing a transit sit is undoubtedly the best solution – and would strengthen the powers of the police to move on unauthorised encampments – it will take time to select the right site and develop the site. In the meantime a number of options are being looked at.
“Please be assured that solving the issue of unauthorised encampments is a high priority for the new administration at Cheshire East Council.”
I’m a ‘dabber’ and I am ashamed by this protest. Has Nantwich really become this elitist and this bitter?
My support goes to the travelling community.
Leave them alone!
nothing elitist and bitter about this you break the law you should be punished end of
Thankfully we don’t live in Hove, hundreds of travellers camping on the lovely promenade there!!
Good post Kev.
Everyone attending should do this.
I’ll be there, and might park my car on the park out of convenience, as is clearly permitted.
Count me in.