Large group of travellers pitch camp at Crawley Town stadium just days before match

A large group of travellers have parked their caravans at Crawley Town stadium just days before a League Two clash.
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Inspector Darren Taylor of Sussex Police said around ten caravans and 40 travellers have pitched camp in the stadium car park.

He said: “Individuals with their vehicles and caravans had turned up and commandeered the car park.”

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Police are working with the group to ensure their welfare is met, Inspector Taylor added. He said: “But they have to realise it’s people’s livelihoods, there’s a football match on.”

CRAWLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: General view outside the stadium prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Crawley Town and Norwich City at The People's Pension Stadium on August 27, 2019 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) 775393229CRAWLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: General view outside the stadium prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Crawley Town and Norwich City at The People's Pension Stadium on August 27, 2019 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) 775393229
CRAWLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: General view outside the stadium prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Crawley Town and Norwich City at The People's Pension Stadium on August 27, 2019 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) 775393229

The travellers moved in yesterday, January 17. The Reds next play at home to Colchester FC this Saturday.

In a statement, Erdem Konyar, CEO at Crawley Town FC said: “It’s an unfortunate situation and it’s being dealt with with all the legal and right procedures to get them out – to remove them from our site.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: ““The local authority had required the persons to leave which had not been complied with.

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“Consideration has therefore been given by Sussex Police as to the impact on the events due to take place at the stadium this weekend.

“As a result, powers under the Public Order Act are being employed to require the persons to leave the immediate location.”