Information regards to the Holt Millennium Green

Today I had a very constructive conversation with Inspector Dave Wise of West Mercia Police in relation to Traveller Communities who have been camping on public open spaces in our area, he was able to reassure me on a number of issues around the safety of the public including the volunteers who maintain and open/close the Millennium Green and property on the Millennium Green.

He stated that the situation has been made worse this year by the Travellers not only being on their way to the various Horse Fairs, but also there being a very large traveller funeral taking place in our area. The situation is now easing as the Travellers have mainly moved on. He also stated that some of the claims in the local press have been slightly exaggerated.

One of the first things he stated was that, as the Millennium Green had not been used as a camping ground by any of the Traveller communities in the recent past, it is at low risk of being used in the near future, as they like to used grounds that they have used previously where they have better knowledge of the lay of the land, that’s why they chose Victoria park in Malvern, as they have camped out on there a number of times before.

The fact that they cannot see the Green directly from the road to know what obstacles they are likely to face also means that they are less likely to use it.

He went on to state that, even when the main gates are open, it’s important that the inner barriers to the field stay locked shut, something that the Trustees of the Green will have to emphasise with all of the users of the Green, particularly the footballers, in-order to create a further restriction on accessing the main field.

He next emphasised that under no circumstances should anyone confront the travellers if they try to access the Green, they should immediately call the police if they feel that they are being threatened.

So, in summary, the Millennium Green is relatively low risk of being occupied, however everyone needs to remain vigilant and to take preventive measures, such as keeping the main gates locked shut, if a raised potential threat is identified in the immediate area, best to keep a watchful eye in various local community group Facebook pages to see if anyone sees anything to cause concern.

Stephen Williams

Councillor and Chair Holt Parish Council