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Stone blocks to protect picnic site
BLOCKS: Andrew Gibbins and Ryan Thompson of Bradley Builders with the limestone blocks being placed at the picnic site near Snaith Bridge. (BUY THIS PHOTO L9384TS) Picture: Tony Saxton
A restful riverside picnic area in Carlton should be kept tranquil after stone blocks were put in place to stop travellers gaining illegal access to the site.
The picnic spot at Ferry Lane near Carlton Bridge has been blighted by travellers camping at the beauty spot in large numbers in recent years, leading frightened residents to call for action.
The area was created by the community and leisure working group, Snaith and Cowick Together, last October after two years of hard volunteer work.
Limestone blocks costing £2,000 were bought by the Environment Agency and have been put in place by contractors thanks to a £5,000 grant secured by Snaith and Cowick Town Council from East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
ERYC councillor for Snaith John Barrett said he welcomed the move and added: “Installation of the stone blocks is welcome to protect the picnic area. I helped to bring all groups together to create the beauty spot that is popular with walkers, cyclists, dog walkers and picnickers and it needs protecting for local people.
“Years ago we had the odd caravan parking up here, but in recent years there have been a lot more. People feel intimidated by lots of travellers on the site and feel they can’t use the area.”
Spokeswoman for Snaith and Cowick Town Council, Vicky Whiteley, said: “At the back end of last year there were 18 caravans on the site and we don’t want a repeat of that. It was important to protect the area by blocking the entrance with these huge stone blocks. We have nothing against the travellers and last year there was no trouble, but many residents said they felt intimidated by their presence.”
She added: “We don’t want the presence of travellers at the picnic site to become more frequent. Snaith Primary School pupils have even been involved in this project, planting flowers at the site and we want to protect it for them and all other residents who use the area. This is a site we continue to enhance and we don’t want it spoiling.”
Since the area was created, at the request of local people, it has become popular as an amenity and picnic spot. There are four picnic tables placed there made from recycled, environmentally friendly, vandal-proof material. It is a big hit with familes using it.
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Weather for Selby
Monday 20 May 2013
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