Overview
- Bridgend Council said around 13 caravans and up to 20 vehicles arrived on Litchard playing fields on Monday June 15 and the final caravan left at 7.10pm on Friday.
- The council issued a Section 77 direction requiring removal within 24 hours and applied for a Section 78 order to authorise High Court Enforcement Officers if the group had resisted.
- Local people and councillors reported verbal abuse and threatening behaviour during the occupation, and Litchard FC said hundreds of young players lost access to their pitches.
- Council crews began a prompt clean-up as caravans left and South Wales Police continued to liaise with the council while a post-clearance inspection is planned.
- The site’s access was reportedly enabled by a broken bollard that had been reported to the council and mandatory welfare checks were carried out while the encampment was in place, which could prompt reviews of site security and council communication.