Parking war erupts as local resident gets his revenge on travellers who took over car park

A parking war has erupted in a seaside town after a local resident took revenge on a group of travellers who have settled in the area’s biggest car park.

The group pitched up their motorhomes at Bembridge Point on the Isle of Wight two years ago, and have stayed there ever since.

One resident, who was annoyed by their presence, decided to take matters into his own hands and trapped them by blocking their exit with 30 4-ft high concrete bollards.

Matthew Thorpe, who erected the bollards, says the land is his after he purchased it in 2011.

He has told the group – who have not been able to leave the enclosure in their vehicles – that they must pay an undisclosed amount before they can exit. One of the travellers suggested it was as high as £500.

Thorpe, owner of Bembridge Harbour Authority, said he wanted the travellers to pay for their “mistreatment” of the area.

“They were excreting on the land, and they were putting all their litter out on the roadside,” he told The Telegraph.

“There were a lot of things that were happening that meant we said, ‘Sorry, we can’t approve this’.”

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He has now proposed a deal to the travellers – he’ll remove the bollards obstructing their way but only if they leave straight away.

“If they came as a group and said they were all wanting to leave, I would do it free of charge,” he said.

“But if they wanted to leave individually, they would have to pay for a crane to come and move the bollards away, it’s the only way they’re going to move them now.”

However, the ultimatum may not be accepted so easily.

One traveller stationed at Bembridge Point, Dave Coulson, said he will not be leaving, and is willing to be a “thorn in his side until he moves on”.

“We’re stuck here now and we feel like we’re fighting a cause for everybody,” he said, stressing that the group are meticulous in their efforts to keep the area clean.

Local residents have also been affected by the blocking, as many used the facilities to park in when visiting the beach – with the closet two car parks in the area being over a mile away each.

“It’s very inconsiderate, especially at this time of the year. We want to make our holiday-goers feel welcome,” said Lynn, 67, a resident on the Isle of Wight, who comes regularly to Bembridge Point to watch the birds.

However, despite the frustration from both residents and travellers, Thrope is confident the bollards will work as desired and make the group leave.

“I think we will be able to encourage them one way or another. I’m sure it will be dealt with,” he said.