Travellers who set up camp illegally on a football pitch in Bridgend have left the site, the council has confirmed. Around 13 caravans and up to 20 cars first appeared on Litchard playing fields on Monday, June 15. The encampment reportedly subjected locals to abuse and intimidation.
In an update on Friday evening, the council confirmed that the last caravan had moved away. The statement reads: "As of 7.10pm the last caravan has left the site at Litchard Playing Fields. Council crews proactively turned up after hearing that the first travellers started to leave and the initial clean-up operation started within seconds of the last caravan leaving."
Legal Action Taken
Bridgend Council had served a legal direction similar to an eviction notice under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, requiring the removal of all vehicles within 24 hours. However, the Travellers initially refused to leave. The council then applied for an order under Section 78, which would allow High Court Enforcement Officers to remove the vehicles. An urgent hearing was requested and scheduled for Monday afternoon at Cardiff Magistrates' Court.
Impact on Local Community
Litchard FC, based at the playing fields, expressed frustration and disappointment. The club said the encampment meant hundreds of young people and the wider community could not use the fields. Local councillor Martin Williams visited the site and reported being subjected to abuse and threatening behaviour. "I went to see what was happening and took a photo of the mess that was being left when I was confronted by a group of Travellers threatening to 'spark me out'," he said.
South Wales Police stated they were aware of the encampment and working with the council. The clean-up operation is now underway to restore the pitches for community use.
