Sustrans forced to bring in bailiffs to clear cycle path after travellers set up camp and block route

Sustrans has been forced to clear a group of travellers who camped on a cycle path in Flintshire, blocking the route.

There were a dozen caravans parked on the Welsh part of the path between Sealand and Saughall, Cheshire - having allegedly forced open a gate to get onto it.

Sustrans, who own the cycle path said they were taking legal action to move the travellers on.
Sustrans said that last Friday “We were alerted to a large number of caravans entering and blocking the Chester path at Sealand.

“They are on our land without our consent.

"We are working with the North Wales Police and Flintshire County Council and hope the caravans will leave the path as soon as possible.”

They then tweeted: “Apologies – unauthorised caravans this w/e on the Chester Cycleway at Deeside.

"Action underway by @sustrans. Avoid or take care as you pass.”

A spokeswoman for Sustrans then said that the 12 traveller caravans were finally moved on on Monday.

Rosslyn Colderley said: “We employed the services of bailiffs who met with the traveller community on Monday afternoon and evening and advised them that they would be evicted and caravans towed away by 7.30am on Tuesday unless they moved on beforehand.

“We are happy to say that all the caravans left the cycle path late on Monday night without incident, and the gates were secured to prevent further access.

“Sustrans has now engaged the local authority to clean up litter and the team arrived on site on Tuesday morning. We have secured the entrances to the site and will install a more substantial gate as soon as possible.

“We would like to thank neighbours, local people, the council and police for their help, patience and support during this difficult situation.”