Travellers remain at Croft Recreation Ground near Oxford

Thames Valley Police (TVP) officers were seen at the recreation ground this morning (May 18) speaking to parkgoers and travellers after the eviction notice required the site to be vacated on Tuesday (May 16).

An Oxford City Council spokesperson said the eviction is being “progressed” and it is “hoped all of the caravans will have left the site by this evening, or first thing tomorrow morning.”      

READ MORE: Person dies in second Oxfordshire rail incident in one day

Travellers have been based on Croft Recreation Ground in Marston since around 6pm on Sunday (May 14).

They were served an eviction notice by Oxford City Council on Monday (May 15) to vacate the field by 10am on Tuesday.

This morning there were 18 caravans at the site with one resident reporting that there were 15 to 16 on the field yesterday (May 17), up from 12 on Sunday evening.

One nearby resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said that he “hoped that the park isn’t left a mess” and that the situation is “sorted quickly”.

TVP told the Oxford Mail on Monday (May 15) that one count of criminal damage had been reported after the recreation ground lock was broken to gain entry to the site.

Earlier this week, a city council spokesperson said: “The group occupying the site have been issued eviction notices this morning under the city council’s park byelaws requiring them to vacate the site by 10am tomorrow morning.

“A city council officer and Thames Valley Police will attend the site again in the morning to enforce the eviction if needed.” 

Yesterday, Councillor Mary Clarkson, who represents Marston on Oxford City Council said: “I have done everything I can do deal with the incident.

“The police are aware, and we need to make sure they move on as quickly as possible, but it does seem that the number of caravans is growing.”

ALSO READ: Road remains closed after train hits car during rush hour

She added: “I really feel for the residents.

“They are worried about the mess and there is also a busy cycle track that runs through the area.”

Earlier this week, a county council spokesman said: “Oxfordshire County Council Gypsy and Traveller Services is working in partnership with Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police to resolve the incursion on the green area at Croft Recreation Ground in Marston where a number of caravans arrived on May 14.

The incident comes following a similar occupation this time last year.

On May 27, 20 caravans moved onto Showman Field on Marsh Lane in Marston.