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All the caravans had left the playing field by 10.00 pm on Wednesday 23rd June.
The successful court submission by the Parish Council had the desired effect and the travellers departed without any further action being required.
A number of residents turned up on Thursday evening to clear up the litter etc. left on the site. We hope that the matter is now closed though it has cost the PC a total of £240.
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Our cricket correspondent has submitted the following report.
Denton cricketers braved the elements on Saturday and staged a match amongst themselves at Wortwell playing field where over 200 runs were scored as the rain and sunshine had their own battle for supremacy.
Whilst Robin Godsmark (33) and Matt Birkinshaw (20) chipped away at some rather friendly bowling, Ian Cooper filled his boots to score a breezy 70. Even after filling up on an interesting mix of cider, flapjacks and cheese sandwiches at the interval, chasing a total of 175 was too hard a task, and only Mike Goater made it into double figures as the side batting second mustered a meagre 41.
Throughout the game there were some terrific catches taken, none better than the two taken by Adrian (“I’ll only play if you’re short”) Hipwell.
It’s hoped that we can find some opposition to play against in the coming weeks to put this Denton side to the test. If you know of a team that would like a game please contact Steve Whiteman – (07751 900127).
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Regrettably, recent events in the village have forced the postponement of this year’s Village Ball.
This will now take place on Saturday 24th July. Further details appear under Coming Events.
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Our cycling correspondents have submitted the following report.
We did it! Yes, we completed our proposed sponsored bicycle ride and have raised £433.50. We would like to thank everybody who supported our little venture and feel sure the money is going to a very good cause.
We began our ride at 9 a.m. setting off from Quidenham to cycle through the Lophams to Eye, then down to Debenham where we took a break for coffee and sticky buns. We continued due south through Ashbocking, Westerfield and into Ipswich arriving at the hospice in Walker Close at around 1 p.m. Then we cycled through the centre of Ipswich, took a route to Sproughton, Kersey, Great Waldingfield and arrived in Long Melford at about 4 p.m. We had completed 61 miles and decided to call it a day!
On the Sunday we had a leisurely start leaving Long Melford at 11 a.m. and made our way to Clare, before turning off towards Great Wratting, Carlton Green and Six Mile Bottom. At one point we found ourselves pushing our bicycles along a footpath we had mistaken for a national cycle track — a 1.5 mile walk along the side of a dyke! (time consuming but very pleasant) We cycled through Fen Ditton, took the Horningsea road and crossed the River Cam to Milton by way of a footbridge over a lock. Fortunately provision was made by way of a metal ramp to help cyclists push their bikes up two sets of steps, across the bridge and down more steps on the other side (great fun, but need to be reasonable strong).
We found the hospice at Milton, took photographs and had completed 36 miles that day making a total of 97 miles altogether. We had estimated 100, so not far out!
Liz Cargill and Jennie Crohill
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Denton Parish Council has decided to take vigorous action to tackle the encroachment by travellers on the village playing field.
On Tuesday, 8th June, a well attended meeting of the Council heard reports of the opportunities for legal action against the current trespass. This included comments from South Norfolk Council’s Gypsy & Traveller Liaison Officer who confirmed that the Parish was handling the situation correctly. SNC’s solicitor had also been consulted.
The Parish Council had already delivered letters to all the travellers requesting that they should vacate the site by 10 am on Monday 7th June. This had not happened so at the meeting the Council decided to initiate action immediately through the County Court in Norwich to seek an Order for Possession from the court. It was anticipated that the case would be heard by the end of the following week. If this action was successful and the Order granted this would then be served on the travellers.
It was hoped that the travellers would respond by leaving without any further delay but, if necessary, enforcement action would be required with the grant by the court of a Warrant for Possession which might then involve the use of bailiffs. People at the meeting raised concerns about the potential costs of the process but members of the Council felt they had no alternative.
In accordance with the PC’s decision, proceedings were issued in the Norwich County Court on 9th June and on 10th June papers collected from the court showed Friday 18th June as the hearing date. On the same day court documents were served on travellers on the Playing Field with Norfolk Constabulary in attendance.
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At the court hearing in Norwich on the 18th before the District Judge the travellers were represented by a barrister but the Parish Council were successful in its claim for an Order for Immediate Possession. A special meeting of the Council was held the same evening and the Court Bailiff is being briefed. If the travellers, nine caravans are currently on site, do not move voluntarily appropriate enforcement action will take place to remove them from the playing field.
This report, first posted on 9th June, will be updated as the situation develops.
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It was reported at this month’s Parish Council meeting that Saffron Housing are making good progress with the development of their affordable housing project off Norwich Road. They hope to start work on site by the end of the month.
The Parish Council have been asked to suggest a name or names for the development. So far the only proposal, from a member of the Council — Peter Hill, is “Skinner’s Meadow” in recognition of the family who made the land available for the project.
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On Sunday, 30/5, a group of six caravans and associated vehicles set up camp on Denton Playingfield. How long they plan to stay at this location is unknown. A pony is currently tethered on the adjacent allotment land. Another, seventh, caravan has since arrived.
The Parish Council, who lease the land involved from the Rogerson Trust, are trying to take appropriate action. The police have been informed and have visited the site. South Norfolk District council have been contacted and their Gypsy & Traveller Liaison Officer, Tony Cooke, has visited the site. He has advised the PC of the options open to them and the issue will be discussed at the PC’s normal monthly meeting next Tuesday, 8/6 (a report of that meeting now appears above).
Our district councillor, Murray Gray, is also trying to help but it must be emphasised that neither the DC, nor the County Council, have any direct responsibility for taking action re trespass on private land.
In the meantime, to avoid any unpleasantness etc., residents are advised to avoid contact with the travellers.