Leisure Centre closed due to travellers

TRAVELLERS have once again appeared on the car park of Thorncliffe Leisure Centre, forcing it to close its doors.

They arrived at 8pm on Sunday evening – the third time this summer that they have parked up there.

Councillor Mike Levery told Look Local: “This is the third visit this group travellers have made to Thorncliffe Leisure Centre car park. After the second visit, I got an agreement with the director of environmental services at Sheffield City Council to look at physical restrictions to prevent access on to the car park in future but this will take some weeks and will involve height restricted barriers to the car park, rear access and access to Paces campus.

“At the moment, we are looking for an early eviction notice for travellers that arrived again at the site. Obviously we are very concerned about the impact on local businesses, public houses and particularly the operation of the leisure centre and St George’s Park.

“It’s in all our interests to get this resolved as quickly as possible. Every time the centre has been closed, it’s due to intimidating behaviour to staff and visitors. Police are aware and are attending site regularly. We’d hope they’re gone this week.”