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Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Idyllic town besieged by travellers after three encampments set up on public parks in just one week
An idyllic market town has been besieged by travellers who have moved onto three public parks in just one week. A large number of caravans and vehicles began arriving in Taunton, Somerset, last week and have since taken over a number of sites up and down the area. They arrived at Hamilton Park on Friday June 6 where at least nine caravans are parked up with several other vehicles spotted with the campers. Just two days later, around 20 vehicles, including cars, vans, small trucks, mobile homes and caravans were driven onto Lyngford Park. And in the latest incident, a convoy of vehicles have pitched up in Stoney Furlong Field, where eight caravans were seen parked up on Monday. It isn't the first time a group of travellers of that size have come to Taunton this year - the first arrived at Silk Mills Park and Ride in March, before moving onto council-managed parks around town. They also set up temporary homes at Galmington Park, Moorfields Park, Maidenbrook Country Park, Victoria Park, and previously Hamilton Park among others. The situation has divided Taunton residents, with some complaining they are preventing the fields from being used by children, while others have defended the travellers, saying they don't leave any mess and hardly make any noise. On woman said: 'I don't have a problem, because they've got to go somewhere. 'They live different lives but they're still just people. I think it's wicked what people say about them sometimes. 'We had them last year and they were only there for a week. They let the kids see the horses. They said "don't go near the dogs, they're on guard, and that's it". 'I think they get a lot more flack than they deserve. I know it winds people up but they made their choices and you made yours. 'All they need is a car park. They're not hurting anyone.' Neil Eglin, 50, has lived behind Stoney Furlong Field for two and a half years. Earlier this week it was overtaken by eight caravans. He said: 'This is the third time in 18 months, only for a few days each time. 'To be fair, they didn't make any noise apart from one lad revving his motorbike last time. But no trouble, and they didn't leave any mess.' But one resident, who has lived in the area for seven years, expressed concerns. They said: 'Last time the council got them removed, so I hope that will happen again. A lot of people have reported it. 'I used to live in Devon, so I'm used to it. But the countryside is different, completely different from them being in a town, being in fields where children play football after school. If I was a parent I'd be upset.' Another said: 'The general feeling with travellers is not really a good one. But personally I've not had any bad experience with them. We've not had any trouble. 'There are areas of Taunton where you wouldn't go at night, or alone. This area, it's quite nice, it's a respectable area.' Anthony Fletcher, 86, has lived behind the field for over eight years. He said: 'In the past they've always tried to come and the council clears them out, and they come back again. We see them come, we see them go.' A spokesperson from Taunton Town Council said: 'We're aware of an unauthorised encampment currently at Hamilton Gault Park. 'The council is following its agreed policy and legal process to see the encampment cleared as soon as possible. 'If you're visiting the area, please be mindful of the situation and take extra care. 'A report is also going to Full Council on 10 June 2025, which - if approved by councillors - will see investment in new defences to better protect our parks in future. 'We'll keep you updated here as things progress. Thank you for your understanding.' Cllr Tom Deakin, the leader of Taunton Town Council, said he had been informed of the 'incursion at Lyngford Park' by a number of residents. He added: 'Officers at Taunton Town Council are aware and working with the police and bailiffs to move the group on as soon as possible. 'I'm immensely frustrated at the number of incursions around the town recently, 'The town council will be discussing putting in place further prevention measures when we meet on Tuesday. 'We also need a designated transient site made available immediately. 'It's unfair that important public, community spaces funded by local tax payers are taken out of action for extended periods of time.'
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Heavy favourite Storm Force is a BOOSTED 13/8 to win by one or more lengths at Hamilton today
Sky Bet are offering a Price Boost for today's horse racing action - as Scotland's Hamilton Park plays host to a seven-race card. The boost is for the first race of the day at 2pm - which will see six thoroughbreds compete over five furlongs. Enhanced from 11/10 to 13/8 odds - the bet requires Storm Force to win by one or more lengths. Storm Force is a heavy favourite to come away with the win - with the Richard Fahey-trained currently priced at 8/11 to finish first past the post. Meanwhile, if you're anticipating an upset in the opening race of the day at Hamilton - Mo of Cairo and Victor Cee are the second and third-favourite in the market. At the time of writing, they are valued at 9/2 and 7/1 respectively. Sky Bet Price Boost for today's horse racing at Hamilton: Storm Force to win by one or more lengths WAS 11/10 NOW 13/8 Sky Bet favourites to win the first race at Hamilton (14:00): Storm Force 8/11 Mo of Cairo 9/2 Victor Cee 7/1
