Kenilworth Rugby Club counting ‘considerable’ cost of illegal …
Kenilworth[1] Rugby Football Club has vowed to beef up its security after an illegal camp of travellers was finally evicted on Thursday (June 1). The Glasshouse Lane club said it had been hit with 'considerable' costs in removing the unauthorised encampment which pitched up on Monday[2] (May 29) night.
The club, which plays in the fifth tier of English rugby, has also thanked volunteers for giving up their time to complete a clean-up of the site, though further work is necessary. A spokesperson said: "Following a challenging few days, Kenilworth[3] RFC are delighted to announce that the clubhouse will soon re-open after the recent departure of some uninvited visitors.
"Unfortunately Kenilworth RFC have incurred some considerable costs that are hugely frustrating and we empathise with other sports clubs that have had similar experiences. The clubhouse bar will be open on Friday (2) at 6pm for a well deserved beer!"
It's not the first time in recent years travellers have pitched up illegally at a rugby club in the county. Unauthorised encampments set Alcester Rugby[5] Club back thousands of pounds in bailiff fees and clean-up costs in July and August 2021[6].
"We would like to thank everyone involved in managing the situation the club found itself in, the offers of help from our members and the wider community were very much appreciated," the spokesperson added. "We would like to add our thanks and admiration in particular to those who gave up their time to be onsite and to club steward Paul Phillips for his professionalism and vigilance during the last few days.
"A team of volunteers completed a clean up this morning (June 1) and whilst there are some more repairs to be done, we are confident the club will be back running as normal over the next few days." Warwickshire Police had served an eviction notice[7] on the camp on Wednesday, giving it 24 hours to leave the site.
Travellers have pitched up at Kenilworth Rugby Football Club in Glasshouse Lane (Image: Kenilworth Rugby Football Club)
Bailiffs were also called in to help enforce the notice. "We would also like to thank Warwickshire[8] Police and Umbrella Security Services for their speedy response and support in our time of need," the club added.
"The club will be increasing security at both the Main Site and the Cow Patch (only pedestrian access is available currently) and we would appreciate the co-operation of our members and visitors once these processes are in place."
The unauthorised encampment in Kenilworth is the latest in a long line of such incidents in Coventry[9] and Warwickshire in recent weeks.
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References
- ^ Kenilworth (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ the unauthorised encampment which pitched up on Monday (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Kenilworth (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Biker rushed to hospital after early morning crash in Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Rugby (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ in July and August 2021 (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Warwickshire Police had served an eviction notice (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ Coventry (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ daily newsletter (data.reachplc.com)