POLICE powers were used yesterday (Monday, August 5) to direct travellers to leave the car park opposite Malvern Splash on Priory Road.
Working with partners at Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC), West Mercia Police were responding to reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and disruption to the leisure centre’s activities as it had to close early, and their car park was blocked.
An unauthorised encampment had been set up at the Three Counties Showground on Saturday (August 3), where police attended and made two arrests – one for common assault and one for theft.
The same group then moved onto the car park opposite Splash on Sunday evening, when we received reports of criminal damage and ASB from staff.
Our partners at MHDC instructed them to move off the site by Tuesday morning (August 7), however police used their Section 60 powers and directed the group to leave because of earlier behaviour and concerns about further ASB and disruption.
They left the site about 6.30pm on Monday (August 5).
Police Sergeant Jason Maiden, of Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It is thankfully rare an unlawful encampment causes issues in our community but whenever there are concerns, we will always work robustly to deal with them.
“I am pleased to say, working with MHDC, we have moved on this group within 24 hours which shows we will always act swiftly.”
Amanda Smith, head of community and parking services at MHDC expressed appreciation for the police in support of the matter and acknowledged the professionalism of Malvern Splash staff.
