News

School To Review Site Security

A school in Stratford-upon-Avon has said it will review its site security after a group of travellers set up camp on its playground last week.

The Stratford-upon-Avon Herald reported that the group had been moved on within a couple of days, but that some events planned at Stratford-upon-Avon School had to be moved to a sister venue as a result of the unexpected arrival.

Speaking to the news provider, Valerie Hopkins, strategic business director at the school, said that the establishment would be looking at its security arrangements, which could include installing new security bollards.

However, she added that any response to this incident needs to be measured, because the facilities here should also be accessible to members of the local community.

The group of travellers arrived at the school on a Friday afternoon and set up camp in the playground, but they had left by the end of Sunday. Despite the short nature of their stay, there was some minimal damage to the exterior of the building and two external doors needed to be repainted.

Last month, Warwickshire District Council announced a six-month programme of works to tighten up security on a number of public sites to prevent travellers from setting up camps in these locations.

In total, the council intends to spend £170,000 installing features like height restrictors, security bollards, lockable gates and trip rails.

The council is also searching for appropriate permanent and transit sites for travellers, to ensure they meet the needs of this community.