A group of neighbours clubbed together and spent £100,000 to purchase a field near their homes, preventing travellers from using it as a site for caravans. The group cited safety concerns and the potential impact on property values as reasons for the purchase.
How the Purchase Unfolded
One unnamed member of the community contributed £1,000 to the cause. Speaking to Sky News, they described the situation as feeling like 'extortion' but insisted they had no other choice. 'I was protecting our life and our investment. I was worried the value of our property might be affected if there was a Traveller site a few hundred yards up the road,' they said.
The individual added that the purchase was about preserving the village's character: 'It was just us buying the land in order for the village to stay the same and not be developed in a way we didn't want it to be.'
Safety Concerns and Stereotypes
The resident openly acknowledged that fear of travellers motivated the decision. 'I did it for the safety and atmosphere in the village. I worried that the Travellers might bring problems and I'd worry if the kids are out walking the dog or going for a run they might run into some problem,' they said. They also noted that travellers 'have a reputation' and that residents viewed the potential arrival as a 'worst-case scenario'.
Accusations of Discrimination
John Reilly, founder of the Gypsy Traveller League, condemned the purchase as 'disgusting' and proof of ongoing discrimination. 'We're trying to make homes and if land does come for sale that the residents are thinking straight away 'we need to purchase it in case gypsies get in',' he said. Reilly argued that the action reinforces negative stereotypes and impedes the travelling community's ability to find legal stopping places.
