POLICE were needed to ensure the safety of schoolchildren as travellers camped nearby.

A fleet of caravans forced entry into Joel Park next to The Holt School and spent two days on the site before being evicted by the authorities.

Neighbourhood police teams were required to ensure the environment remained safe for children going to and from school while the travellers took up temporary residence.

A spokesperson for Wokingham Town Council said: “The school took appropriate precautions, with police supervising the school area at drop off and pick up times.

“The neighbourhood police team, led by Inspector John Donachy, was very proactive and supportive in moving the travellers on and they did so in just two days.

“Residents have also been very helpful by updating social media feeds to keep everyone updated on the situation.

“For the area to be cleared in such a short space of time without any damage done is a real credit to the police teams that attended the site. It is a big achievement and we are very thankful.”

The travellers arrived at the park on the evening of Wednesday, May 3 and departed by the morning of Friday, May 5 having been issued with a Section 61 Notice.

Neighbourhood officers were supported by a response unit under the direction of Sgt Tim Woolford, overseen by the Duty Inspector.

Having forced their way onto the site, no further criminal damage was committed although a considerable amount of debris had to be cleared up by residents and Wokingham Town and Borough Councils.

Travellers have also recently spent some time at Cantley Park.