Nursery near Glenfrome Road eviction site urges parents to keep children at home
A nursery near the site of the ongoing traveler eviction in Bristol has advised parents not to bring their children today.
The bailiffs and the police surrounded the entrance to the camp along Glenfrome Road early this morning (Thursday, May 20), and are still on the scene to try to remove the people who lived on the ground.
It takes place a few steps from St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School and nearby St Werburgh Primary School, across the railway bridge.
The nursery sent an urgent message to parents on its website and Facebook page shortly after 8 a.m. this morning.
Follow the latest developments with the eviction on our live blog
He was reading: “This is to inform you that the road in front of our school was closed by the police this morning.
“They expect to face a serious incident involving eviction from the community using the land on the other side of the railway bridge.”
A group of around 75 travelers, including children, have been living in the disused gas works along Glenfrome Road for the past few weeks.
(Image: John Myers / Bristol Live)
Landowner Wales & West Utilities said he was ‘entering’ the private land and was ordered to vacate the land by court order on May 6.
However, travelers say they have requested “more time to coordinate a safe and friendly departure with the welfare of all parties in mind.”
Police closed the section of Glenfrome Road outside the entrance to the site.
‘It could go on all day’
The preschools message to parents continued: “The police expect a violent response to the eviction and expect it to last all day, which will make it very difficult to enter school.” and possibly dangerous.
“We therefore urge you to avoid taking your child (ren) to school today if you can.”
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they had warned the school of a possible disruption, but said they had expressed no concerns about potential ‘violence’.
Are you affected? What do you think of what happened? Join our discussion thread on this story.
A police spokesperson said: “An eviction is underway at Glenfrome Road today which could cause disruption in the area.
“The main action is taken by the bailiffs on behalf of a private owner. The police are present to prevent a breach of the peace.
“Road closures are in place and a detour in place.
“Access to the school will be maintained but we apologize for any disruption.”
