Traveller Incursions at Bannisters Field and Millbrook Car Park

Published on: 11 Jan, 2019
Updated on: 13 Jan, 2019

A Police car near an entrance to Bannister’s Field today.

Travellers have again occupied Bannisters Field by Tesco Supermarket, off Egerton Road. Another incursion has been reported at Millbrook car park by the A281 Shalford Road. Guildford Borough Council says it is following its “unauthorised encampment process”.

Surrey Police have been attendance. Around a dozen caravans are involved at Bannisters Field.

The unauthorised encampment comprises around a dozen caravans.

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the traveller encampment at Bannisters Field, and are in the process of doing all we can, as quickly as possible following our unauthorised encampment process.

“We are monitoring the situation and have provided the occupants with bin bags, and made arrangements to remove any rubbish.”

Similar incursions occurred in 2013 and Travellers eventually left peacefully. The council took physical measures at the time to try and prevent repeat incidents.

Surrey Police have said on their Guildford Beat FaceBook page that they are aware of the Bannisters Field incursion as well as one at Millbrook Car Park.

The FaceBook entry states: “We were notified of the incidents by members of the public late into the evening on the 10/01/2019 . Surrey Police Officers attended and completed an initial site assessment and have been in contact with our partner agencies in response to the reports.

“The land which the encampments are situated upon is owned and managed by Guildford Borough Council who we have been in contact with.

“Officials from Guildford Borough Council will now follow their established policies and procedures. Guildford Borough Council will liaise with interested parties on this matter in the local area. There are set processes and policies that will now be followed. The car park and playing field remain open.

“Guildford Borough Council will take the lead at this time and all enquiries should be directed to them 01483 505050 and email – customerservices@guildford.gov.uk.”

“We will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with Guildford Borough Council where required as they are the lead agency at this time.”