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Bradley Stoke Mayor Takes Action to Prevent the Return of Travellers to Bradley Stoke Way

Bradley Stoke Mayor Takes Action to Prevent the Return of Travellers to Bradley Stoke Way

BSTC - 30th June 2014

Less than 48 hours after travellers, who established an unauthorised encampment on Monday 16th June 2014, vacated the site alongside Bradley Stoke Way; Councillor John Ashe (the Mayor of Bradley Stoke) wasted no time installing wooden posts to prevent further access.

The work was carried out by the Town Council’s contractors at the earliest opportunity on Saturday 28th June 2014, and was requested personally by the Mayor (with the backing of the Chairs of the Town Council’s Committees) after South Gloucestershire Council failed to commit to an immediate response.

Whilst at the site John Ashe said, 'When the travellers vacated the land on Thursday evening there was an urgent need to block this slipway to prevent another incursion. Unfortunately, I was unable to get South Gloucestershire Council to commit to immediate remedial work which was disappointing after all the discussions and meetings that had taken place.

I, in conjunction with Chairs of Town Council Committees, decided that action rather than talk was needed and instructed Bradley Stoke Town Council's contractor Ambience Landscapes to seal it off. Obviously they could not get huge boulders, but decided on posts concreted into the ground. This they have done this morning and I will be asking South Gloucestershire Council to cover our costs as this is their land and their responsibility. Many thanks to Ambience for their fast and efficient response.'

Confirming that the work had been completed, a Town Council spokesperson explained that officers did consider the use of boulders but these could not be sourced by the contractor and would likely cost considerable sums of money to source elsewhere. The four wooden posts installed cost significantly less and will not adversely impact visually on the area. The total cost for the installation has not yet been determined, but councillors will be liaising with South Gloucestershire Council in an effort to recoup Bradley Stoke Town Council’s costs.

It is understood that these posts should prevent the return of caravans to the site, whilst still allowing access for grass cutting and maintenance.

Photo: Mayor Councillor John Ashe visits the site where the installation of posts to block access to the grass verge took place on Saturday 28th June 2014.

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