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Council chiefs are fearful a small green near the seaside in Paignton, Devon, will be targeted by travellers this Bank Holiday weekend. They’ve put fortified concrete blocks around it, but these have already been branded “an eyesore” by residents.
During the previous Bank Holiday this month, a group with motorhomes and caravans set up an unauthorised camp nearby, Devon Live reports.
Negotiations around securing a site on the outskirts of the town specifically for the travelling community have since fallen through, so the decision to use the blocks was made.
Steve Darling, leader of Torbay Council, said: “People who might choose to come to Torbay do tend to turn up on a Friday, so this will be happening in time for the weekend.
“Clearly the green at Paignton is our hottest spot, but we are alive to other weak points in Torbay where we have had encampments. We still continue with the search for an alternative site, but until then we are strengthening our defences.”
Cllr Darling said in the longer term, the council would be commissioning steel fencing and gates.
“It will be a lot more aesthetically pleasing and will cost tens of thousands of pounds.”
But writing on Facebook, residents have slammed the move.
One woman says: “Could’ve put some nice sized planters there… what an eyesore.”
Another local posted: “Could have used something more attractive.”
A third shared: “Pity they didn’t have flowers in them.”
Another comment reads: “Pointless waste of money.”
An upgraded CCTV system on the public toilet facility is also being used to monitor the entrance gates.
Other members of the Lib Dem and Indepedents council believe the measures will help protect the town’s rich tourism industry, which has already suffered hugely due to the pandemic.
Councillor Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services, said: “Paignton Green is a very popular and well used community site and it’s really important that residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy it over the summer, especially after the difficult year everyone has had.
“Over the years we have had a lot of different types of unauthorised use of the site over the summer months, so we have decided to install the concrete blocks around the perimeter of Paignton Green following discussions with the local Community Partnership and feedback from local residents. It is important to emphasise that this is a temporary measure and we will be working with local community stakeholders to co-design a long term solution.”
Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, said: “We are also looking at what we can do to protect a number of other sites where we have similar issues.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Green is available for our residents and visitors to enjoy this summer.”
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