Cricket ground to boost security after encampment

The travellers arrived unexpectedly at Plymstock Cricket Club

A cricket club is planning new security measures to prevent future unauthorised encampments after caravans were parked on its grounds for nearly a week.

A traveller group arrived at Plymstock Cricket Club, Plymouth, on 28 July.

The club said it was working with Plymouth City Council to explore permanent solutions, including erecting barriers and controlled access points.

Vice chairman Rob Baker told John Acres at Breakfast on BBC Radio Devon that he met with their leader on the first night "and asked if they would respect certain areas if we provided water" and "that early engagement, plus the dry weather, really helped limit the damage", he said.

Vice chairman Rob Baker said "early engagement, plus the dry weather, really helped limit the damage"

"We're meeting with the council this week and researching pop-up barriers," Mr Baker said.

A GoFundMe page launched on Tuesday raised over £4,000 by Thursday, and a post on a local Facebook group drew around 60 volunteers for a thorough clean-up.

"Thanks to the fundraising, we'll be able to contribute to the costs," said Mr Baker.

The group left the ground on 2 August after being served with a Notice to Quit by Plymouth City Council, he said.

Volunteers had since been working to repair tyre divots and restore the playing surface, with hopes of resuming matches this weekend, he said.

Four youth cricket matches and two training sessions were cancelled, along with a planned social event and regular bingo night.

"The biggest loss was to the kids and the community who couldn't come to Friday night nets or watch games," said Mr Baker.

Nearby, Wembury Cricket Club hosted a friendly match and donated £400 from the event, while messages of encouragement came from clubs and businesses nationwide.