Travellers create huge illegal camp in Mere without approval

Dozens of travellers have set up an encampment on the edge of Mere, laying hardcore and moving in cars and caravans.

The site has been screened off with fencing, erected without planning permission.

Drone footage shows more than a dozen caravans, trucks, and vans, as well as a number of expensive sports cars and high-end SUVs.

The former nursery site which was bought at auction is next door to the busy A303, and planning permission for houses was previously denied because of access issues.

The travellers moved onto the site in October, and nearby residents are unhappy with the lack of action against the unapproved settlement.

Some residents have formed campaign group Mere Town Action to put pressure on the town council, Wiltshire Council, the police and the town’s MP Andrew Murrison, to take action.

But they say letters have gone unanswered, and no efforts seem to have been made to move the travellers on and close the camp.

None of the ten members of the group who met last week wanted to be identified.

Chief inspector Leighton Williams of Wiltshire Police added: “We are aware of community concerns in Mere following the lawful purchase of land at The Old Nurseries by members of the Traveller community.

“The Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team has been working closely with partner agencies to ensure that community concerns are heard and appropriately addressed.

“Wiltshire Police is committed to ensuring that all members of the community—both long-standing residents and new arrivals—are treated fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the law.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and respond proportionately to any issues that arise.”

Wiltshire police and crime commissioner Philip Wikinson said: “I am aware of concerns that have been raised by some residents in Mere and I have sought assurance from Wiltshire Police regarding the response to those concerns.

“I have been clear – and the Chief Constable agrees – that all residents are policed without fear or favour and decisions about policing activity are based on evidence, intelligence and risk – not on an individual’s background, ethnicity or lifestyle.

“Communities will always experience concerns and challenges from time to time, I would encourage residents to report crime, antisocial behaviour and intelligence to Wiltshire Police so that appropriate action can be taken where necessary.”

Councillor Mel Jacob, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We are aware of the traveller site established near Burton Mill footpath in Mere and we are working proactively to try to resolve the situation.

“Following legal advice and a review of the planning circumstances, the statutory tests required to serve a Temporary Stop Notice or take similar immediate action are not currently met.

“The site occupants have appointed a planning agent, who is currently preparing a planning application to seek to regularise the use of the site. We will allow a reasonable period of time for this application to be prepared and submitted.

“Once submitted, the planning application will be considered on its planning merits, alongside any other relevant circumstances, before a decision is made. The views of the public will be sought as part of the statutory planning process.”

MP Andrew Murrison said: “I am involved with Wiltshire Council, the Planning Authority, and National Highways on this unauthorised encampment following complaints by residents.

“I am aware of the allegations and strongly urge anyone concerned about potentially criminal behaviour to report the details to the Police.”