Latest news with #TRAVELLERS
The Sun
a day ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Travellers ride horses through river as hundreds descend on tiny village for Britain's biggest pony & trap drive
TRAVELLERS were spotted riding horses through a river as hundreds descended on a tiny village for Britain's biggest pony and trap drive. Groups were seen in Brockenhurst - one of the New Forest's top beauty spots - as they plunged their horses and carts into a river as families, who were soaking up sunshine on the bank, watched on. 6 6 6 Young guys riding bareback charged in formation up and down the river as part of a tradition to cool their horses after a pony and trap drive through the Forest. It was the dramatic finale of the Tracy Cooper New Forest Drive, the biggest of its kind in the UK, which has been going for over 20 years. Yesterday's cool down came after temperatures hit sizzling point, with some unhappy locals saying the ponies should not be out in such heat. Animal welfare officers were present on the riverbank at the Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurst where scenes resembled the world-famous Appleby Horse Fair. At one stage, one officer shouted at two young riders to 'stop with the whip', adding: 'Stop whipping the horse' when they tried to urge their horse on with one. Riders were also prevented from riding the animals up and down roads with police waving them down and telling them to go back to the river bank. The car park at the popular family bathing spot had been closed off from Saturday evening and all day Sunday with warnings that an event would be taking place there today. But the sudden appearance of hundreds of pony and traps – their numbers three times bigger than the previous day – at the site took some unsuspecting families by surprise. Some goggle-eyed guests from the nearby Balmer Lawn Hotel who had been enjoying a post-Sunday lunch stroll beat a hasty retreat as the horses descended. Despite this, there were excited shouts from children as the riders roared into the river with water being splashed everywhere. Travellers ride horses through river & speed along in carriages at Appleby fair Young girls joined in the ride, with some getting soaked to their skin and even babies were taken for a trot – sitting in front of a parent on the horse. Kids as young as five plummeted off the river bank on ponies into the water – laughing gleefully as they did. After the horses had had a swim, they were put into shade under trees and given food and water. The river cooldown is the finale of the event, which this year took place under the watchful eye of a temporary security tower bristling with CCTV and dozens of police officers. 6 6 6 Last year, the area was scattered with broken glass and metal screws by angry locals who have called for the drive to be banned. As The Sun revealed yesterday, this year the local council has joined forces with Hampshire Police and Forestry England to ensure the event was kept under control. Standing watching the cooldown was Inspector Darren Ord of Hampshire Police who said he was pleased with how the drive had gone, saying: 'We have engaged with the community to ensure that everything is done with safety and security. 'So far it has gone very successfully. It was important to allow the event to go ahead while also ensuring the safety of the local community.' He said it had also been important that the welfare of the horses involved in the drive was looked after, which appeared to be the case. As the horses dried off, the travellers tucked into burgers from a van operated by Tracy Cooper who said she was 'absolutely delighted' with how her event had gone this year. She said: 'Mine is the only traveller drive in England which has a permit, permission and public liability insurance. 'It is the only one in England that tries to do it the right way. This year has been fantastic, but I won't rest until the last traveller and pony has got home safely.'
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Yahoo
Travellers pitch up encampment at field in Taunton
TRAVELLERS have pitched up an encampment near a school in Taunton this week. A large group, believed to have moved in at some time late last night (Sunday, August 3), have set up camp at Stoney Furlong field in Taunton. READ MORE: Police at Rowan Drive after travellers set up in Taunton READ MORE: Travellers depart Somerset's Lyngford Park in Taunton The site is situated just off Nerrols Road, Taunton, and is close to Nerrols Primary School and Nursery. This is not the first time travellers have moved into Stoney Furlong field this year, with a group last setting up campers there in June 2025. There are at least eight campers at the Taunton field, along with BBQs, chairs, and other essentials. Travellers have set up an encampment at Stoney Furlong field in Taunton. (Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest) Councillor Tom Deakin, who lives in Taunton and represents the O'bridge area of the town, has recognised the encampment and has released a statement. Cllr Deakin said: "Firstly, thank you to all residents who have been in touch since late last night to bring this encampment to my attention. "I have been working with officers at Somerset Council throughout the day as they follow the legal processes they are required to do so. The correct notices have been served and the appropriate legal action will now be undertaken. The group have indicated that they intend to remain for around 5-7 days. "I share the immense frustration of people in our community and I appreciate that feelings run high at moments like these however I have done nothing but my best to prevent this from happening again since the previous incursion a few weeks ago." Cllr Deakin has written to the relevant councillors and officers regarding the encampment. He said that anyone who has any questions can contact him. "Some of the comments and messages I have received have been truly upsetting to read," Cllr Deakin added. "I became a local Councillor because I wanted to make a difference to my area, which I am working hard to do alongside my full-time job and other commitments we all have in life. "I've only ever tried my best for my community since being elected. A community I am proud to live in and be a part of. If people feel that I don't care then that saddens me more than anything else because it couldn't be further from the truth "I will keep doing all I can on this issue, and all other things impacting our area. "If anyone has any questions, or would like any further information, please do let me know. I'll continue to keep you updated over the coming days."
