Groups of travellers who set up camp at Weelsby Woods in Grimsby last month have now departed — but left behind “several tonnes” of rubbish in their wake.
Several dozen caravans arrived at the park late last month, with a wooden fence damaged to gain access. The site was one of five across the borough affected in a short span. Their departure follows legal action taken by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) to have them removed.
Unfortunately, the group left behind human waste, garden furniture, and large amounts of litter, including oil-covered items.
A specialist NELC clean-up team has now launched an operation to tackle the waste. Volunteers from the Friends of Weelsby Woods are expected to join them from 11AM, with members of the public also invited to help.
According to the group, most of the rubbish is concentrated near the top end of the park. A spokesperson said that although less waste was left than initially feared, there is still “a large amount of litter, and several tonnes of garden waste.”
They explained: “This is due to this years camp being smaller than last years, and here half the time. We will meet by the large playground, provide litter-picking equipment, and NELC will take everything we collect. Thank you to everyone who has messaged us over the last week, and those who come and support the pick today.”
(Images: Friends of Weelsby Woods)
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.