Southsea Common travellers visited 'every day' by Portsmouth community wardens

COMMUNITY wardens are visiting a group of travellers every day after concerns were raised that a a person in the group may have Covid-19.
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More than a dozen caravans and several vans appeared on Southsea Common on Saturday, May 23.

The leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, told The News earlier in the week that there had been reports of Covid-19 on the traveller's site.

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He added: ‘My understanding is that they got onto the common by lifting some of the boulders – we’re taking legal action to move them on.’

Travellers at Southsea Common on 26 May. Picture: Nigel Willis/Voladrone.Travellers at Southsea Common on 26 May. Picture: Nigel Willis/Voladrone.
Travellers at Southsea Common on 26 May. Picture: Nigel Willis/Voladrone.
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With the travellers remaining on the common, community wardens have been tasked with visiting the site ever day, providing access to refuse bags, running water, and public toilet facilities.

Now a spokeswoman from Portsmouth City Council said: ‘Portsmouth City Council is regularly monitoring the situation including the use of powers to remove the travellers alongside the government guidance to consideration for supporting vulnerable groups during the Covid 19 period.

‘Appropriate advice and support will be offered to anyone who discloses that they are self-isolating due to having or showing symptoms of Covid 19.’

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