Travellers descend on Minchinhampton farm (From Stroud News and Journal)

Travellers descend on Minchinhampton farm

2:00pm Wednesday 19th March 2014 in News By SNJ Reporter

A GROUP of travellers descended onto a farm in Minchinhampton at the weekend.

The group moved onto land at Burnt Ash Farm near Gatcombe Park on Saturday with three caravans and two towing vehicles.

They left the privately-owned farm - home to a Caravan Club site and a riding school - on Monday and moved onto Minchinhampton Common.

Adrian Bathe, manager of Burnt Ash Farm, which is owned by his parents, said: “They turned up on Saturday and we had two nights of hell after that. Neighbours were very concerned and it was generally not good."

He added: “They were pretty intimidating. I reported them to the police who came up several times as we had two nights of damage and items being stolen.

“When they get on to the land there isn’t much you can do.

“They knew all the law, about court injunctions and bailiffs.

“We were planning on moving them on, something you are allowed to do peacefully if the police are present, to ensure that property isn’t damaged.”