Riot police break up traveller barricade that trapped residents in their own homes

Riot police were called to a housing estate after a group of travellers trapped residents in their own homes by barricading a road.

The travellers set up camp at the site of a disused factory in Worcester on December 16 before locking a gate and parking on grass verges so vehicles could not pass.

The metal barrier meant locals could neither gain access nor leave their homes as the street was the only way in and out of the nearby housing estate.

Residents told how officers had to wait for back-up from riot police before the gate was eventually reopened on Christmas Eve, but the group still remain at the site.

Local homeowners say they have since been verbally abused, had things thrown at their cars and have seen fights breaking out.

There have also been reports of cars racing up and down the roads, while others have had vehicles “dumped” in front of their homes.

One man, who lives nearby, said shaken locals fear for their safety after 20 caravans descended on the car park of the former site of Lotus Lightweight Structures.

He said: “They [the responding officers] had to wait for the riot police as back-up before opening the gates on a public road. How do you think we local residents feel?

“The gates were locked another couple of times after the police opened them. The travellers have simply ignored the order. How can they be allowed to just do that?

“Law-abiding citizens are being left to put up with this and suffer. We know police have the power to move them on but they’re too scared. It is disgusting that this is allowed to continue.”

Since then, residents say they have increased in numbers and spread to the adjoining old gas works and rubbish is now strewn across the estate.

Angry neighbours said loud chainsaws and late night bonfires have further kept them up at night.

The resident, who did not want to be named, added: “Many people’s Christmas has been ruined because of these people. We won’t leave our homes empty and others have cancelled family and friends coming over. We have one way in and one way out, and that’s past this site.”

West Mercia Police was contacted for comment.

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