Updated: Travellers Set Up Camp in Council Car Park

Published on: 22 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 25 Nov, 2016

The Traveller or Gypsy Caravans in the council car park off Guildford Park Road, near Guildford railway station. Photo: Dragon reader.

A number of traveller caravans have moved on to Guildford Park Road Car Park, owned by Guildford Borough Council.

A council spokesperson said: “We are working with Surrey Police to resolve the issue as soon as possible and are undertaking all the legal and welfare processes required.

“As a result there are currently fewer parking spaces available at Guildford Park Road car park. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

“We hope to have an update on the situation tomorrow (November 23) morning.”

The car park is adjacent to the University of Surrey and in a note coirculated to staff and students it was said:

“This is to advise you that over the weekend, a group of travellers and 40+ vehicles have moved onto the council car park adjacent to the rear entrance of campus by Yorkies Bridge. The university is working closely with Surrey Police to minimise disruption to our staff and students and negate any impact to university grounds.

“Guildford Borough Council are also aware of the incursion and we have been advised that proceedings to evict them may take until Thursday.”

A council spokesman said today (November 23): “We can confirm that the Traveller group has now moved on from Guildford Park Road car park.”

Responses to Updated: Travellers Set Up Camp in Council Car Park

Bernard Parke Reply

November 22, 2016 at 8:39 pm

I am concerned that that there appears to be no sanitary arrangements for these visitors to our town.

Will lavatories etc now be provided in the interests of all of us?
Dave Middleton Reply

November 23, 2016 at 12:05 pm

I presume that these “visitors” will be reimbursing GBC for the loss of revenue from the car park that they have unlawfully occupied?
John Kohl Reply

November 23, 2016 at 12:07 pm

I walk past this car park to the station most work days and was surprised to see non-UK registered caravans there. Surely anyone working and/or living in the UK cannot legally drive a non-UK registered car here (some exceptions apply).

The police had started enforcing this by confiscating cars unless the driver/owner can prove you are not living or working here.
John Robson Reply

November 23, 2016 at 3:07 pm

Toilet breaks aside…….

Have they paid and displayed? If not will GBC give them parking fines?
Guy Sutlieff Reply

November 24, 2016 at 9:23 am

I’m also assuming that GBC will be refunding me for not having access to the garage I rent there and for the additional £5 a day I’m having to spend as to park.

This is probably a forlorn hope though.
- Dave Middleton Reply
  
  November 24, 2016 at 4:34 pm
  
  Not really the council’s fault that thee Travellers turned up and occupied the car park is it?
  
  I’m just glad the occupation didn’t drag on for weeks and cost us all a load of legal fees in securing their eviction.
  
  Still, I understand that there’ll be a load of houses and flats on the site in a few years and the problem shouldn’t resurface again – at least at that location.
Brian Holt Reply

November 24, 2016 at 8:01 pm

Why not install height barriers (I realise they cannot go where the coach bays are).

This is the reason why Stoughton residents are worried about the double gates been left open on Saturdays at Stoughton Rec when the boys football club use it.

I have given up reporting to parks department as nothing is ever done about it.

There is no reason for the gates to be left open when there is a small car park off the Worplesdon Road.