THE Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton has had to close for the foreseeable future following the return of travellers which have taken up residence in the Leisure Centre’s Overflow Car Park.

More than five travellers caravans and their associated vehicles arrived at the car park this evening, Tuesday, July 30.

Traveller caravans in the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre on July 30. AQ 8818
Traveller caravans in the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre on July 30. AQ 8818 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Mid Devon Leisure has issued a statement which reads: “Lords Meadow Leisure Centre has been temporarily closed following the arrival of a group of travellers in our car park.

“This measure is precautionary to ensure we can open our facilities safely, with the wellbeing of our staff and customers our priority. 

Where the bonfire was set on the rugby pitch. AQ 8033
Where the bonfire was set on the rugby pitch. AQ 8033 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“Mid Devon Leisure has a zero tolerance approach to the misuse of our sites and facilities, and we will not tolerate any abuse towards our staff from any user.

“We will be monitoring the situation closely and will re-open as soon as possible. Customers affected by the closure can also speak to a member of our leisure team for further advice. 

Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton. AQ 1407
Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton. AQ 1407 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“Thank you for your patience.”

The travellers look to be a different group from the eight caravans which took up residence in “The Rec”, the field adjoining the Leisure Centre from Thursday, July 18 to Saturday, July 20.

It is believed that that group moved too Okehampton.

That group caused some damage to the rugby pitch at The Rec and left behind a great deal of rubbish and garden waste.

Some of the rubbish left at The Rec in Crediton. AQ 8049
Some of the rubbish left at The Rec in Crediton. AQ 8049 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Rec was cleaned by Crediton Rugby Club volunteers, the Rugby Club being the group which rents The Rec from Queen Elizabeth’s Academy Trust Educational Foundation.

A group of travellers has recently been located at the Culm Valley Leisure Centre at Cullompton, which forced the closure of the Leisure Centre there.

It is unknown if this is the same group.

The arrival of the travellers follows a week-long stay by travellers in the Leisure Centre car parks in April.

On that occasion more than 12 caravans and associated vehicles were parked in the leisure centre car parks.

Bailiffs acted on behalf of Mid Devon District Council to give the travellers notice to leave on April 13 but that was then extended to April 14.

Eventually, with the assistance of police, bailiffs and enforcement officers, the travellers left during the afternoon of April 14.

Garden waste tipped at The Rec in Crediton. AQ 8052
Garden waste tipped at The Rec in Crediton. AQ 8052 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Some damage was believed to have been caused to the Leisure Centre in April.

A vast quantity of rubbish, left over food, faeces, gas cylinders, fuel cans, tools and other items were also left behind in April.

It has been suggested that height bars across the entrances to the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre car parks might help prevent future arrivals by such groups.

Leisure Centre users have expressed their disappointment that the service they use is again out of action.