Following a Caravan Incursion onto the Crewe Vagrant’s Playing Fields at Willaston on Tuesday, Cllr Allen Gage (Willaston & Rope Ward) visited the site to speak with representatives of the Vagrant’s Administration Team and took a distance photo to forward to the Cheshire East Enforcement Team and the local Police. As he left the site, Cllr Gage was approached by a group of men who verbally threatened him and attempted to prevent him leaving the site in his car.
Cllr Gage explained; “Caravans have appeared on the Vagrants cricket pitch through a gate that has had the lock broken off... People have understandably voiced upset as the Vagrants is a valued community asset.
I took this ‘distance’ picture today to share with the relevant authorities (above), after having had a socially distanced chat from the side of my car, with one of vagrants staff. I was then rounded on and chased by a few large blokes with one shouting extreme threats.
I made it back into my car and got the door locked before they could get hold of me. At that point I realised a light blue camper van had pulled in front of me to block my escape. I managed some manner of skidding J turn and got round the car and out the front gate onto Newcastle Road.
Having spent three years during my university days in Herefordshire, working as a volunteer with Children and young people and their families from settled and non-settled travelling communities, I know that this is not a reaction or behaviour representative of the travelling community as a whole and I am not suggesting that these men were from a travelling community, I have no idea who they were - only that they certainly didn't want a chat! The Police were contacted immediately.
On a positive note, the caravans have been told to leave by 9am tomorrow otherwise the bailiff will take action. Hopefully the cricket pitch is alright”.
Cllr Janet Clowes (Conservative Group Leader) later stated: I am relieved that Cllr Gage and the member of the vagrants Staff are both OK, however nothing condones threatening behaviour to staff or elected representatives. I am pleased that the appropriate authorities have been informed and are dealing with these matters.
(Photo: Cllr Allen Gage)
