Travellers disrupted a sports day at Brimsham Green School in Yate today (June 9) after they pitched up on a football field.
Pupils were left disappointed after 17 caravans and other vehicles were set up on the school's grounds yesterday. Police were called to the school when the travellers were discovered and spoke to the individuals, and South Gloucestershire Council will be issuing an order to leave today (Thursday).
The school's sports day was only able to go ahead partially, with several events postponed because of the encampment, which has been cordoned off. The school remains open, but the track and field events which were due to take place at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex have been postponed and will be held 'as soon as practically possible', according to the school's headteacher Ms Kim Garland.
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Ms Garland said: “Our annual school sports day is partially taking place today; we have postponed the track and field events scheduled to take place at YOSC because of the unauthorised encampment. We are re-arranging these events as soon as practicably possible.”
A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We are working closely with Brimsham Green School and Avon and Somerset Police after an unauthorised encampment consisting of 17 caravans and associated vehicles was set-up on the school grounds on 8 June. The Police have spoken with the individuals and our Traveller Liaison Officer has been in attendance.
"Brimsham Green School remains open, and staff are keeping the area cordoned off from the rest of the school until the vehicles can be moved-on from the school premises.” A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said they had increased their visual patrols in the area.
“We’re aware of a number of vehicles occupying a football field at a secondary school in Yate today (Wednesday 8 June)," they said. “We’re speaking directly with the occupants of these vehicles, as well as working with our partners at South Gloucestershire Council and the affected school to consider what further action can be taken."
