Elton, Derbyshire

A message from Elton Jubilee Field Committee…

Elton Jubilee Field trustees wanted to contact you to let you know what we are doing to protect and secure the field from illegal traveller encampments in the local area.

As the travellers are soon to be moved on from Darley Bridge, they will undoubtedly be looking for a new place to settle. This means all fields, car parks and plots of land need to be secured where possible.

Following attempts to park on Darley Dale cricket grounds, Elton Jubilee Field trustees believe that the playing fields would be a desirable and potential site for travellers to set up a temporary home. We have, therefore, taken the decision to lock the gates at the top of the Jubilee Field and the side driveway/lane to prevent vehicular access.

The locking of the gates, however, means that the large gate at the entrance to the playing fields has had to be changed to the smaller gate. This means that pedestrian access is no longer available. We are, therefore, asking anybody wanting to get onto the Jubilee Field to access it through the style at the top of the driveway/lane and then up the steps by the side of the pavilion.

We appreciate that this is a big inconvenience, but it is necessary to ensure the field is protected and secure for everybody to continue using it. An eviction of an illegal encampment would also be costly and lengthy to the Jubilee field Committee, so it must be prevented.

This decision has been taken along with Elton Cricket Club and all persons needing access to land and livestock via the locked gates has been consulted.

As soon as we can guarantee the local and immediate threat to the field has been removed, we will aim to reopen the gates at the earliest opportunity.

Thank you for your understanding.

On behalf of Elton Jubilee Field Committee