An unauthorised encampment that occupied the playing fields of Crestwood Community School in Hampshire has now fully vacated the site, concluding a situation that prompted significant local news Hampshire attention and police action.
The group, consisting of cars and caravans, had established themselves on the school’s back playing field on Monday night, with reports indicating some individuals were driving quad bikes and motorbikes around the premises.
Despite the summer holidays being underway, Crestwood School staff were present throughout the week, engaged in essential maintenance and improvements, making the presence of the Hampshire Travellers a direct disruption to their activities.
Swift intervention from Hampshire Police was initiated, with officers visiting the site to manage the situation and ultimately issue a directive for the group’s departure under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
This critical piece of legislation grants law enforcement significant powers, allowing officers to direct individuals to immediately leave specific land and compel the removal of all associated vehicles and property.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police confirmed the effectiveness of these powers, stating, “Following a review of the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised encampment, police utilised these powers yesterday evening (29 July), and the group began to leave the site this morning.”
The police further elaborated on their proactive strategies, adding that their “partnership work also seeks to identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder in order to target harden these sites,” emphasizing a broader commitment to community safety.
Previously, Crestwood Community School headteacher Krista Dawkins expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of solidarity, remarking, “I have been overwhelmed by the offers of support from parents and local residents, it has been very heart warming as a part of the Community.”
The incident underscores ongoing challenges concerning land use and public order in the region, highlighting the crucial role of both legal frameworks and robust community responses in resolving such situations and maintaining peace within Hampshire neighbourhoods.
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