Neighbours' concern as travellers set up camp near Grimsby Crematorium

A GROUP of travellers have set up residence on land near Grimsby Crematorium.

Six caravans and a number of other vehicles arrived on the Weelsby Avenue field on Tuesday night.

Their arrival has not shocked residents, who are used to their presence at this time of the year.

One concerned resident, who lives on the corner of Drew Avenue which backs on to the field, said the travellers can be a nuisance.

"I've been here for 30 years and yes, they are a problem," said 59-year-old Robert Clapham. "For example, last year they used the walkway round the back of my house as a toilet.

"I heard them arrive at about 10pm last night but there's not many of them there at the moment.

"I'm expecting a lot more to arrive soon.

"After the problems we've had in recent years we called for bollards to be put up around the field, but nothing was done.

"They're usually here for about a week, then the police will clear them away but they will be back again soon after.

"So it does affect us. They have fires and parties until 1am or 2am.

"It's the same every year. The council shouldn't let them on."

Six caravans are currently present on the field opposite the Oasis Academy Wintringham.

Their arrival coincides with the funeral of tragic Lucy Sutton, which takes place at 9am on Friday at the Crematorium.

The seven-year-old sadly passed away last week after battling osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

Hundreds of mourners are expected to attend the service.

The travellers refused to make a comment, but they did say they were expecting police and council officers to be attending the site.

"They have been here many times before," another concerned resident added.

"We had 22 caravans last year. Can't the council find a permanent place for them to stay?

"It's a nice area around here and I like where we live, but they cause a nuisance for us all.

"I do feel a bit sorry for them though, they are not wanted anywhere."

Another Weelsby Avenue resident said: "They have been here every year for the past eight years. Some of them are nice, while others are horrible.

"A lot of people like to walk their dogs around the field, but it's intimidating with the travellers there. Some of the kids come up and circle you, shouting abuse as well – it's not nice at all.

"They'll be gone as soon as the council evicts them, which usually takes three or four days."

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: "A small group of travellers arrived on council-owned land by Weelsby Avenue.

"An officer visited the site on Wednesday morning to carry out a statutory welfare check and advised the group that they face legal action if they do not leave."

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