Police make moves over sports field encampment

Police say they are working with landowners and a council to address an "illegal" camp set up by travellers on the outskirts of Hereford.

The camp emerged at the weekend on an area of sports pitches at Belmont Abbey to the southwest of the city, where about 14 caravans and camper vans stand.

The site is understood to be leased by the Benedictine monastery to youth football club Toros FC, which has cancelled a planned event.

Herefordshire Council and Belmont Abbey have been approached for comment.

Insp James Ashton from West Mercia Police said officers were "aware of local concerns around an illegal encampment".

He stated the force had received "a small number of reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in these areas, which are being dealt with appropriately by our officers".

"I'd encourage anyone who has concerns around anti-social behaviour or crimes to report them to us so that we can take action."

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Toros had urged members and supporters to contact the authorities regarding the camp, later following up the message to say that "due to the overwhelming response, Herefordshire Council have politely asked us not to send in any more reports or concerns", pointing out that "as our ground is private land, they have no jurisdiction over it".

The club said it was "in the process of obtaining legal advice from a local solicitor, and due to meet a police officer shortly".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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