Fears Kesgrave could become 'fortress' over travellers

Thirteen caravans arrived at Grange Farm in Kesgrave last month

A council leader has warned about the danger of a town becoming a "fortress" due to concerns over travellers.

Last month travellers set up an unauthorised camp at Grange Farm, Kesgrave, Suffolk.

They left this week, but residents are concerned they could return.

A public meeting heard calls for more physical barriers, but Suffolk Coastal District Council leader Ray Herring warned against this.

"We don't want Kesgrave to become a fortress," he said.

One green space was lined with wheelie bins after rumours more travellers were set to arrive

Farm machinery was used to block off a playing field in Kesgrave

On 9 July, Kesgrave residents blockaded parks, verges and gardens with wheelie bins, farm machinery and cars amid reports that more travellers were due to arrive.

A Kesgrave Town Council meeting on Monday had be held in a car park outside the council offices because 70 members of the public turned up and could not fit into the council offices.

The meeting was told officials were exploring ways to remove the traveller encampment, on a green space near a pub in the town. The travellers left the next day.

About 70 people turned up to a council meeting in Kesgrave on Monday night

Police said there had been some "community tension" in the area

Candy Sheridan, of the Gypsy Council, described the moves as "pathetic" and "un-Christian", after people travelled for miles to celebrate a church communion for children.

Insp Roger Salmon, of Suffolk Police, said the force received 96 calls in connection with the travellers, but there was no increase in reported crime.