Police have been called to an Exeter playing field after a group of Travellers set up camp on the site. Reports suggest that barriers may have been broken down in order to gain access.
At around 2:45pm on Monday (April 15), police were called to Cowick Barton Playing Fields after receiving reports that a group of Travellers had set up camp. This is despite height restriction barriers being installed in 2022 to prevent unauthorised encampments.
The playing fields are owned by Exeter City Council, which deems the site an 'Unacceptable Encampment Location' according to its Protocol for Unauthorised Encampments. The protocol states that unauthorised campers at these locations will be subject to eviction processes if they refuse to move.
Exeter City Council says it is aware of the Traveller group at Cowick Barton Playing Fields and is in the process of regaining possession of the land. A spokesperson said: "We are aware of the encampment and will be taking steps to regain possession of the land."
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A photo of the encampment taken yesterday afternoon shows multiple vehicles, including a number of caravans, with at least one police officer in attendance. A local, who asked to remain anonymous, told DevonLive that the group was still on the site this morning (April 16)
A spokesperson for Devon & Cornwall Police said: "Police were called to Cowick Barton Playing Fields, Exeter, at around 2.45pm on Monday 15 April following reports of a group of Travellers having accessed the site. Exeter City Council is aware and liaising with the group."
Travellers have previously set up camp at Cowick Barton Playing Fields, including in June 2022 when locals said there were as many as 18 caravans. At the time, DevonLive spoke to the group, who hit back at in person and online abuse they claimed to have been subjected to during their time in Exeter. They assured that they had come in peace and were being respectful to the local area.
