News / eastville
Travellers evicted from site in Eastville
Police blocked a busy road for much of Thursday to enable bailiffs to evict a group of travellers who have been living on a former gasworks site.
Dozens of people were removed during the day from the site next to Glenfrome Road in Eastville, with one bailiff winched on top of the main gate to the site via a crane.
Several people had locked themselves to the gate after being given 24 hours to leave the site, with more than 100 police and bailiffs arriving early on Thursday morning.
is needed now More than ever
Many of the travellers who left the site watched as the operation continued from close to Wai Yee Hong, with some jostling between travellers and police breaking out behind temporary fences.
There were also scuffles when more bailiffs arrived.
The land is owned by Wales & West Utilities, who say that people living there are trespassing.
One 58-year-old man told Bristol24/7 that he had chained himself to the main gate
“They are doing this to give themselves something to do,” he said. “That site is not doing anybody any harm.
“When everybody else in the country is worrying about Covid, it seems ridiculous that they can afford to spend this much money to do something that’s a pointless exercise.
“Everybody on that site is now going to have to move somewhere else. Everyone was happy there. There were good people.”
One bailiff gained access to the site via a crane – photo: Martin Booth
In a statement, Avon & Somerset Police said that the eviction was primarily led by bailiffs and that officers were at the scene to prevent any escalation.
A spokesperson said: “An eviction is taking place in Glenfrome Road today, which may lead to some disruption in the local area.
“The primary action is being taken by bailiffs on behalf of a private landowner. Police are in attendance to prevent a breach of the peace.
“Road closures are in place and a diversion set up. Access to the school will be maintained but we apologise for any disruption.”
Police blocked off Glenfrome Road from St Werburgh’s and Eastville – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
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