THE GAME of cat and mouse continues in Stratford between council chiefs and travellers.
An illegal encampment served a second eviction order from Stratford District Council (SDC) has now left the recreation ground and moved to the park and ride in Bishopton.
The travellers moved to the Warwickshire County Council (WCC) site following the eviction deadline at noon yesterday (Monday).
SDC confirmed the majority of caravans had left the recreation ground but around four caravans and four transit vans remained there.
A spokeswoman added: “Once they have left the district council will move onto the site and clear it up, but we don’t anticipate that being until later this afternoon.”
Lib Dem county councillor Dominic Skinner has spoken to the travellers at the park and ride in a bid to find out how long they planned staying.
He said: “They were very polite but a bit non-committal when I asked them and pointed out it was a bus route they were parked on.
“The general public are frustrated with the disruption to the service but council officers have been brilliant and have worked out an alternative plan.
“WCC have been working really hard. The gypsy traveller liaison officer is going to talk to the group and if nothing happens police will then get involved.
“Steps are being taken to get this moving as soon as possible.”
The park and ride is still operating but passengers need to board at the bus stop in Barn Lane.
Police are working with SDC to help evict those remaining at the recreation ground.
A tweet from police in Stratford said: “The team are also liaising with Stratford District Council to support them in the eviction of the current unauthorised encampment at the rec.
“Despite what a few members of the community are saying, we are working tirelessly with our partners to reduce the impact on our community.”
The camp was evicted from Stratford Leisure Centre car park a week ago but made the short hop to the recreation ground.
The some 50 caravans had been at the leisure centre on and off throughout December.
