New barrier system erected at Deeside Leisure Centre to deter traveller caravans

Flintshire County Council has a erected a new temporary barrier system at Deeside Leisure Centre in the wake of the latest incursion onto the car park by members of the traveller community.

The new barrier consisting of several heavy duty concrete blocks prevent a direct route onto the car park.

The pavement has also been blocked on one side to prevent cars using it to gain access to the car park.

Traffic lights are now controlling the flow of traffic on and off the leisure centre car park.

Its not known how long the new barrier will be in place or whether it will be replaced by a permanent barrier.

On Friday a joint operation between North Wales Police and Flintshire County Council has seen the safe removal of caravans illegally parked at the Deeside Leisure Centre in Queensferry.

A number of caravans from the travelling community had been parked at the centre since Tuesday afternoon August 23.

Police officers had been present since Wednesday in response to a request from leisure centre staff and local community after reported incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Following discussions between the travellers, council officials and North Wales Police, the caravans left the site this morning.

Louie Sheppard

Supt Alex Goss said;

“North Wales Police officers have been in attendance in recent days to provide reassurance to the public and to ensure there was no breach of the peace as we worked in conjunction with Flintshire County Council to resolve the situation.

“I would like to thank everyone involved including the local community for their co-operation.”

Flintshire County Council’s chief officer for organisational change Neal Cockerton said; “We are grateful for the close support of North Wales Police in dealing with this situation, in monitoring the site and ensuring the safety of our staff and leisure centre visitors.

“The leisure centre will remain closed for the rest of the day and reopen tomorrow as normal.”