Fury as travellers 'break in' to cricket club before camping on the pitch and 'throwing rocks' at passers-by
Plymstock Cricket Club says a 'group of travellers' gained access to their green on July 28 and have since set up an unauthorised encampment on the field.
The club, which is based in Plymouth, claimed members of the group have been 'throwing rocks' at passers-by and warned residents to 'stay clear and stay safe'.
It says that as a result of the incursion it has had to cancel all fixtures 'for the foreseeable future', with the tennis and football teams also affected.
In a statement on social media, the club said: 'Unfortunately our pitch has been broken onto and we now have a group of travellers setting up camp.
'Do no approach the ground as they have been throwing rocks at people. Everyone stay clear and stay safe.'
Aerial drone footage shows 20 caravans parked on the club's cricket pitch, with vans and cars also on the green.
Lee Garlick, who took the photos, says he was approached by children in a matter of minutes after setting his drone into the sky.
'I parked up in the car park and launched my drone,' he said. 'Within a few minutes, some kids came over and asked what I was doing, so I told them.'
He claims shortly after, teenagers, who were around 14 to 16 years of age approached asking similar questions as to why he was flying the drone, claiming it was against the law.
'I again, explained and informed them of the law and I was entitled to do what I was doing,' he said.
'They didn't like this and told me to f*** off and stay away before something happens.'
He was also told to 'f*** off and to go play with [his] toy somewhere else' by some vehicles leaving the encampment.
'I don't intimidate easily, so I stayed, finished what I was doing and then left,' he added.
The club said the recent development was 'absolutely heart-breaking' as they recently 'put a lot of effort into improving [their] pitch and facilities'.
They told the BBC: 'This is going to be a massive step backwards.
'We have been in touch with the council and MP regarding this and hope that they can be moved on soon as this is a very active sports facility used by many in the community.'
A Devon and Cornwall spokesperson said: 'We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at Dean Cross, Plymstock and are liaising with the council in relation to this.
'Officers have attended the site and engaged with the group.'
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