Fury sparks as travellers set up camp in Leamington just yards from police station
By Nadia Sayed 30th Apr 2026
Locals in Leamington have said their lives have been "made hell" by travellers who pitched up on two sites.
More than 20 caravans and motorhomes have set up camp on parkland in the centre of Leamington - just yards from the town's police station.
Fed-up residents claim the group removed steel barriers installed to protect the park opposite the famous Jephson Gardens.
Travellers arrived on Saturday (25) and despite council officials visiting the site, the caravans remain unmoved.
Residents fear the park – opposite Regency homes costing up to £750,000 – is seen as a prime spot for illegal traveller camps.
One local said: "The barriers were placed on the park to stop exactly this from happening but the travellers have proved it's no deterrent.
"Leamington is rich in parks and what we fear is the town will be seen as a soft touch for traveller camps. People say they don't stay very long so what's the fuss but word spreads so once this group move on, another group will just turn up."
Another resident, who lives nearby, said: "All who say they aren't doing harm, just remember the council have to clean the site when they have gone which is taxpayers' money."
One elderly resident fumed: "Since we moved to Leamington 20 years ago, almost every green space is taken over at some stage by travellers.
"It's just not right that people living lawfully and paying taxes should expect to pick up the bill for groups of people who believe they are somehow above the law. The rubbish these people leave is awful too.
"Travellers have made this beautiful town hell."
The travellers have pitched just 400m (1,312ft) away from Warwickshire Justice Centre on Newbold Terrace, which includes a police station and the law courts.
Despite the proximity to law makers, Warwickshire Police say they have not taken action and say it is a council matter.
Travellers have also pitched up on another site just one mile away on Ford's Field.
Locals living nearby reported seeing huge bonfires and barbecues being lit each night since they arrived.
Warwick District Council say the travellers have been ordered to move from the site by today (30 April) or face further action.
A spokesperson said: "The Council has served a Notice of Direction on the unauthorised encampment at Newbold Terrace East, Leamington Spa, requiring the occupants to leave by Thursday 30 April.
"If they fail to vacate then the Council will apply for a court order to obtain possession of the land. This is a separate unauthorised encampment to the one at Fords Fields, Leamington Spa for which our solicitors have commenced legal proceedings to obtain possession of the land. "
They added: "The Council has supplied refuse bins to both sites and will continue to monitor the areas with partners including Warwickshire Police."
A police spokesperson also shared: "We were made aware of an unauthorised encampment on Newbold Terrace East in Leamington shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday (25 April).
"Officers are engaging with them and working with our partners at Warwick District Council at this time."
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