Travellers Remain At Stoke Park

Published on: 27 May, 2023
Updated on: 28 May, 2023

Seven of the 17 Traveller caravans still encamped on Stoke Park.

By Martin Giles

Travellers who on Wednesday (May 24) told The Dragon NEWS that, mindful of planned events, they would leave before the weekend, are still encamped at Stoke Park. One young mother said they might leave tomorrow but she was uncertain.

See also: Travellers from Unauthorised Stoke Park Encampment Say They Will Leave by the Weekend

Evident from tyre tracks is the amount of vehicular movement across the grass surface of the park.

Tyre tracks show there has been considerable vehicle movement over the grass.

A resident filmed one vehicle travelling over the park (see below). A gateway onto London Road has been left open at the town end of the park, making travel across the grass between the encampment and Burchatts Barn unnecessary.

The gateway to London Road has been left open.

Although Stoke Park falls just across the boundary from her Castle Ward, Cllr Maddy Redpath (R4GV) posted on NextDoor yesterday the following update from Guildford Borough Council:

“𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤

• Currently consists of 17 caravans, 20+ support vehicles, 35+ adults, 20+ young children, and a few small dogs.
• The level of Anti-Social Behaviour at Stoke Park is relatively low, including incidents like driving on the grass and defecating in the bushes. Our GBC Compliance Officer is addressing these issues using Community Protection Notices, which have long-term benefits.
• The damage caused to the grassed surface is not considered criminal damage at this stage.
• GBC has served a notice to quit, but it has not been complied with. We are awaiting a court hearing at Guildford Magistrates Court to obtain the Section 78 power for removal. The scheduling of the court date is beyond our control, but we are hopeful of securing a hearing before the upcoming Bank Holiday.

“We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work towards resolving this situation. We will keep you informed of any significant developments.”

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