BOLLARDS and a barrier will be introduced at a St John’s park which has been blighted by travellers in the last 12 months.
Security is set to be beefed up at Pitmaston Park to prevent unauthorised access to the playing fields following the arrival of travellers for five days last month.
A number of caravans moved into the park, only leaving within minutes of a deadline given by police.
After they departed, county council chiefs were forced to close the park to clean up rubbish including nappies, toilet paper, cans, a gas canister and even sanitary towels.
The incursion was the second time in just over 12 months the area, next to Pitmaston Primary School, has attracted travellers but efforts have now been made to tackle the problem.
The proposals will see the installation of a rise and fall bollard and a restricted height barrier at the entrance.
Heavy pre-cast concrete drainage rings were installed as a temporary measure after the travellers left and will remain in place until the end of November.
Working together with West Mercia Police, Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council, the plans are being organised by Place Partnership, a land and property management company.
Coun Alan Amos, who represents Bedwardine on Worcester City Council, visited the site to meet with Paul Thatcher, associate director of project management at Place Partnership and Dr Paul Collins, a planning and conservation officer, to discuss the security measures.
“I am really delighted with the outcome of the meeting, looking at the site we were able to see the issues,” he told the Observer.
“We came up with the idea of rise and fall bollards so the site can still be accessed by maintenance staff and wheelchair users.
“We need the height barrier as well, so there is security on the ground and above.
“The security needs to be water tight because we cannot even contemplate another incursion of the park. It is a massive problem we need to act quickly.
“As there were concerns about having extra security, my main priority is the safety of my constituents and park users,” Coun Amos added.
Place Partnership confirmed the measures will be installed at the end of November as the bollard is being made specifically for the site.
A spokesperson for the company said: “It’s important that we adhere to the advice of the Conservation Officer as Place Partnership want to ensure the bollard provides suitable security and is in keeping with the local area.
“The temporary drainage rings will stay in place until then. We’d like to thank the local community for their ongoing support and patience whilst this matter is resolved,” the spokesperson added.
