News / Horfield
Ardagh closed due to safety concerns
A nursery, cafe, tennis courts and bowls club have all been closed until further notice.
Locks have been placed on the gates of the Ardagh following vandalism to the cafe on the site and theft of equipment owned by the Horfield Common Junior Parkrun.
Ardagh Community Trust chief executive, Sam Thomson, said that she made the decision to close the site due to safety concerns.
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“The temperature was rising,” Thomson told Bristol24/7.
Staff at the Ardagh Community Trust found broken fences and parts of the property vandalised when they arrived at work on Thursday morning – photo: Karen Johnson
It comes after a group of Travellers arrived nearby in caravans and campervans, with more than 60 vehicles now parked on Horfield Common.
The same group were forced to move from the Downs after an eviction notice was issued by Bristol City Council.
An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: “We’ve received a number of reports relating to issues of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage being committed at the Ardagh Community Centre, including vandalism to trees and fencing.
“It was also reported that equipment belonging to a running club had been stolen.
“Officers have attended and are investigating. They continue to engage with those on the site and with Bristol City Council.”
More than 60 caravans and campervans are now parked on Horfield Common near the Ardagh – photo: Karen Johnson
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “The Gypsy Roma Traveller team visited the camp on the Ladies Miles area of the Downs over the weekend with the aim of asking the group to move on, but they have refused to do so.
“Due to evidence of repeated antisocial behaviour and a high number of complaints connected to the group, we used the powers granted to us through a previous possession hearing to fast track the eviction process.
“A formal eviction was carried out by highly qualified and experienced high court enforcement officers supported by the police, and the area will now be cleaned up and all the rubbish removed.
“Unfortunately a large number of caravans have now moved on to Horfield Common.
“A trespass notice was served this afternoon, and we will now go to court to obtain a possession order for this site.
“The vast majority of Gypsy Travellers who pass through the city are law abiding and respectful citizens and operations such as this are exceptionally rare.
“However, we are prepared to use powers available to us to take action where any group is considered to have a high impact on the local community and surrounds.”
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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