Tensions are running high in one of Surrey's most exclusive enclaves, often dubbed the 'Millionaires' Village,' after an illegal Traveller encampment set up on a local field. The incident in the affluent village of Windlesham has ignited a fierce response from both residents and local authorities.
Affluent Community on Alert
The encampment, consisting of multiple caravans and vehicles, appeared on a field adjacent to the A30, a key route in the area. The sudden arrival has left the wealthy community, where average house prices soar into the millions, feeling under siege and deeply concerned for their safety and the local environment.
Council Springs into Legal Action
Surrey Heath Borough Council has confirmed it is taking swift legal action to address the situation. A spokesman stated that the local authority is acutely aware of the encampment and is working through the necessary legal channels to achieve a resolution. This process involves assessing the welfare of those on the site while also serving the required notices for them to vacate the land.
Resident Outrage and Safety Fears
Local residents have not remained silent. Many have taken to social media and contacted the council directly to express their fury and anxiety. Reports of intimidating behaviour, such as vans deliberately blocking the highway, have compounded fears. The proximity of the encampment to a local primary school has become a particular flashpoint for parents and community members.
Environmental and Anti-Social Concerns
Beyond the immediate illegal occupation, concerns are mounting about potential environmental damage and anti-social behaviour. Previous similar incidents in the region have often been followed by complaints of littering, waste dumping, and noise disturbances, leaving the community braced for the worst.
A Pattern of Encampments
This is not an isolated event for Surrey. The county has seen a number of illegal Traveller sites emerge in recent years, often leading to costly clean-up operations and lengthy legal battles for local councils. The situation in Windlesham highlights the ongoing challenge authorities face in balancing legal duties with the concerns of settled communities.
The community now waits, watching to see how quickly the wheels of local government and the justice system can turn to resolve the standoff in their coveted corner of the British countryside.
