Up to 200 Gypsies and Travellers have left a Newark park having camped there illegally

Around 60 Gypsy and Traveller caravans and towing vehicles that were camped illegally at Riverside Park in Newark ahead of a religious convention this weekend have left.

Newark Town Council, owners of the park, served a legal notice on the group yesterday (Thursday) at around 11.30am ordering them to quit the site within 24 hours or the council would return to court for an eviction order.

The notice expired at around 11.30am this morning. (Friday)

By 10.30am there was only a pony and horsebox with a pony-drawn trap attached to the back left, but a Transit arrived to tow it away.

It is understood they left the site for Thoresby where the convention is said to be taking place.

The Advertiser understands they were waiting for a text message that arrived with them at around 8am this morning telling them where they needed to go.

Deputy town clerk James Radley said they accessed Riverside Park by lifting the bollards on the path opposite the cafe and children's play area on Tolney Lane.

The first group of six to seven caravans arrived on Wednesday night and were later joined by others.

A user of the park said this morning: "I was walking my dog on Wednesday evening and rang the police as there were already three caravans and three Transit vans on the site.

"Had they done more there wouldn't be the number on there that there are now.

"There must be 100 to 200 people there.

"Their vehicles were churning up the ground.

"The kids were stepping out in front of motorists and fishing right next to the sign that says 'no fishing.'"

Council workers filled many bags of rubbish but said the site was left in better condition than was anticipated as the whole park was filled with caravans as was the Tolney Lane carriageway with vehicles that couldn't get on to the park.

The Gypsy and Traveller pitches on Tolney Lane were also said to be much busier.

A further group of caravans and towing vehicles that were parked overnight at Fernwood Business Park have also left.

Nottinghamshire Police said there was extra staffing in place for tonight and tomorrow night.

Based on information received, Lincolnshire Police were expected a gathering to be at Swinderby.

A spokesman said: “We are aware of a possible gathering at or near Swinderby over the weekend and have conducted engagement with local landowners.”