Travellers leave Highworth after assault and pub closures

Safety fears prompted pubs in the hilltop town near the Swindon borough's outskirts to close on Tuesday after a man was assaulted on the Lower Rec shortly after the travellers arrived on Monday night. 

Townsfolk were outraged by the new arrivals as they remembered the chaos caused by another group last year, when allotments were ripped up and water troughs became contaminated with poo.

A metal barrier was installed to prevent future unwanted encampments on the Lower Recreation Ground - but this proved to be ineffective as wooden fencing links around the sturdy structure were broken so that the 10 caravans could access the field.

Social media posts suggests women and children received verbal abuse and feces were found near the football club.

A Highworth Town Juniors FC spokesman took to social media: "We are disappointed to see travellers on-site once again. It’s nearly a year to the day since they were last here and despite the efforts of the town clerk to put preventative measures in place, Swindon Borough Council have failed to assist.

"We now call on the town's representatives to put pressure on SBC as land owners to act now and put the correct measures in place so residents of the town and the football club do not have to witness this again.

"Highworth matters - SBC don’t let those who care for this great town in your borough down."

Picture: DAVE COX

Last time, it took four days to move the travellers out of the area, but this time it all happened much faster.

Around 24 hours after the 10 caravans parked up on the Lower Rec, the last of them was seen heading up the road - much to neighbours' relief.

Steve Boore said: "Tremendous work by Highworth Town Council, after providing a fantastic four days of celebrating [the Jubilee] to be challenged with this and dealing with it within 24 hours is a credit to them."

Darren O'Byrne added: "Well done to all involved great to see that lessons were learnt after last year."

Fraser Holmes said: "Highworth Town Football Club would like to thank our town councillors who supported us, our council office and ground staff, and the many supportive messages we have received from the wonderful people of our lovely yown after a very difficult 24 hours.

"The great news is our boys and girls tournament [on the Rec] will be going ahead over the coming weekend."

The town's pubs are reopening but Highworth Town Council has advised people to stay away from the Lower Rec for now.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm that a team from Swindon Borough Council will be visiting the recreation ground where travellers recently vacated.

"Please refrain from visiting the site or clearing any litter so we can allow the relevant agencies to survey the area and clear accordingly.

"We will advise once the area has been cleansed. Thank you in advance."