Taxpayer faces £4k bill after travellers enjoy ‘huge drinking party’ in Toddington

After first being spotted at Harlington Station, a group of travellers encamped on the football pitches by the Poplars roundabout, Harlington Road, on Wednesday.

The following day police officers served a section 61 notice, ordering departure within 24 hours.

Travellers next broke into The Glebe Recreation Ground, with more than 30 vehicles arriving throughout Thursday evening.

During a “huge drinking party” fires were set off and cars were driven around the field, tearing up football pitches used by Toddington Rovers FC- which was forced to cancel its weekend fixtures.

It is believed that travellers arrived in the village prior to a wedding last Saturday, the location of which is not known.

Following departure from the site, travellers have left Toddington Parish Council with a cleaning and decontamination bill of between £3,000-£4000.

Council assistant clerk Andrew Whiting said: “There is a lot of frustration and despair in the village that this has happened.

“It really is quite disgusting what has been left. Human waste, broken glass and waste which may contain asbestos.

“The only positive side to this is how the community came together and offered to help with the clear up.

“Unfortunately due to the nature of the mess we need professional help. We also now have the cost of secure barriers to think about.”