Travellers move onto site in Marston as 12 caravans arrive

A total of 12 caravans have been parked on Croft Recreation Ground in Marston since around 6pm yesterday (May 14).

Thames Valley Police said the lock had been broken to gain entry to the site.

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The travellers have been issued an eviction notice by Oxford City Council which owns the land.

The notice demands they vacate the site by 10am tomorrow (May 16).

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “We are aware of the unauthorised encampment on New Marston Recreation Ground on Croft Road.

“We received the report at just after 6pm yesterday, with 12 caravans involved, as well as a report of criminal damage as the lock had been cut to gain entry.

“We are working with our partners at Oxford City Council, which is responsible for the land, to resolve the situation.”

Oxford City Council confirmed that a council officer and Thames Valley Police will visit the site tomorrow morning to check if the eviction notice has been abided by.

A city council spokesperson said: “The group occupying the site have been issued eviction notices this morning under the city council's park byelaws requiring them to vacate the site by 10am tomorrow morning.

“A city council officer and Thames Valley Police will attend the site again in the morning to enforce the eviction if needed.” 

The incident comes following a similar occupation this time last year.

On May 27, 20 caravans moved onto Showman Field on Marsh Lane in Marston.

A county council spokesman said: “Oxfordshire County Council Gypsy and Traveller Services is working in partnership with Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police to resolve the incursion on the green area at Croft Recreation Ground in Marston where a number of caravans arrived on May 14.

“The eviction notice, using Oxford City Council’s Byelaws, was issued today for the travellers to vacate the site on Tuesday, May 16 by 10am.”