Travellers with 50 caravans set up camp to spend Christmas together
MORE than 100 travellers have set up camp in Cambridgeshire to spend Christmas together, sparking chaos.
The travellers had previously set up camp at a railway station car park
The travellers had previously packed their 50 caravans on to a railway station car park as commuters were warned not to drive to the station.
But after being evicted yesterday, they moved to a new site around the corner – and could stay there until Christmas Day.
The group were seen today settling in for Christmas, putting up their decorations as children played and dogs ran around.
Inflatable figures of Father Christmas have been put up next to their caravans, many of which are decorated with festive fairy lights.
The large group, made up of a number of families, had earlier been parked at Cambridge North railway station, making it difficult for locals to find any free parking spots.
But the travellers were given a 24-hour eviction notice, with police and bailiffs supervising their departure.
They are now illegally occupying a former park and ride site next to St John's Innovation Centre, a technology hub.
But they moved to a new site around the corner after being evicted
It's to get everyone together, for all the older people
One traveller, Tom 'Big Doddie' Stokes, told the Cambridgeshire News: "It's only once a year everyone gets together like this.
"There's no place for all these caravans to go anywhere. The way we look at it, it's out of town, it's not in use.
"We're not going to cause any hassle for anybody. They're going to be on the road for Christmas if the police want us to leave.
"All we want is Christmas. It gets to Boxing Day, we shift. It's to get everyone together, for all the older people."
The extended family were seen today settling in for Christmas
Lewis Herbert, leader of Cambridge City Council, said the council was committed to reclaiming control of its property.
He said: "We are conscious that these are families and it is Christmas, and will take that into account in how we address the occupation of our land.
"We will also work closely with the police to best manage the situation including to protect our property from damage and minimise any nuisance to neighbours until the time when we obtain support in the courts to take back our property, and protect it from future unauthorised occupation."
British Transport Police (BTP) earlier said there had been had been "no issues" getting the travellers to leave the railway station.
Cambridgeshire City Council vowed to reclaim control of its property
Inspector Steve Webster from the BTP said: "We are here to maintain the peace and all seems to be going well.
"They understand the situation. This is a car park and the passengers need to use it to park."
Sergeant Mark Rabel, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: "Our understanding is they've gathered together for a Christmas gathering."
A spokesman for the police force added: "Officers have attended the scene near Cowley Road to make an assessment and speak to those on the site.
"We continue to work with partners, including the City Council, and local businesses to resolve the situation."