Shocking moment community rugby pitch is torn up by driver performing handbrake turns - after travellers pitched up on fields
A lawless driver tore up a community rugby pitch by performing a series of handbrake turns at speed- after it was invaded by a band of travellers.
The yob was recorded driving a blue hatchback across the turf in Bournemouth, Dorset, on Wednesday, causing thousands pounds worth of damage.
The vehicle came within yards of two young men who were doing a workout on the field at the time.
Several caravans belonging to travellers can been seen in the background of the video.
The group reportedly removed large boulders that acted as barriers to gain access to Meyrick Park, which is home to Oakmedians Rugby Club.
They were driving seven expensive-looking caravans across the rugby pitch before setting up camp for the night.
Locals called the police who were able to move the travellers on within 24 hours using a Section 61 dispersal notice.
But the rugby club has been left with a four-figure-sum to repair the pitch which is used for summer activities including children's clubs.
The travellers also apparently felled a tree during their stay at the park, which also has a golf course, bowls club and is a favourite for young families.
An Oakmedians spokesperson said: 'We are sadly faced with the harsh reality of thousands of pounds worth of damage to our beloved pitches at Meyrick Park after a recent encampment set up here.
'This damage occurred in less than 48 hours. This is by far the worst we have had to deal with over the years and now we as a club are solely responsible for funding and orchestrating the clear up.
'We are gutted beyond words.'
Club members took to social media to voice their anger at the pitch being 'disrespected and vandalised'.
Jo Keeling said: 'So sorry to hear about the damage at Meyrick Park.
'It's infuriating and deeply upsetting to see our rugby club disrespected and vandalised.
'The hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the club deserve much better than this.
'It's disheartening to think that in less than 48 hours, years of effort and thousands of pounds worth of value can be destroyed.'
Others called on the police and council to do more to stop the vandalism.
Chris Hawkins said: 'So, where are the police and the local council?'
Dorset Police said they were investigating the pitch damage.
It comes amid a number of cases of travellers taking over fields and car parks in recent months.
Today it was revealed that a group have set up camp at a popular family park for the third time in just a few weeks, forcing planned community events to be cancelled.
A convoy of caravans and other vehicles arrived at Swanshurst Park on the outskirts of Moseley and Billesley, Birmingham, on Wednesday, settling on the field near the play park.
Local community organisation Friends of Swanshurst Park said members had notified the council with a view to initiating eviction proceedings.
A 'Balsam bashing' event scheduled by the group for tomorrow has also been cancelled. Balsam bashing refers to the removal of the plant Himalyan Balsam by hand to protect native species.
The group posted on Facebook: 'We are cancelling our Balsam bashing session this Saturday as the travellers are very close to the area we would be working.
'We will rearrange another date and post details as soon as it has been decided.'
This is the third traveller incursion in the park since April with volunteers clearing up the mess left behind.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said previously: 'Birmingham City Council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where unauthorised encampments encroach upon it.
'The council has useable transit sites and plots for use by the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community - which is in line with Government policy - and details of the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment carried out and updated in 2019 can be found on our website.'
Video footage shared online showed the first caravans and cars arriving onto the park, filmed from the nearby children's playground.
A man who saw the group arriving, Stu Johnson, said: 'I saw them arriving while I was on the bus earlier - going onto the pavement by the entrance to the car park, driving along the pavement then onto the grass once they've passed the trees.
'Needs to be more logs or railings I'm afraid.'
Mary Hart added: 'There have been three lots of travellers this year on Swanshurst.
'Each time a different group. Last time there were two groups at the same time. The clean-up is mostly done by volunteers with help from the council.'
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