Travellers camping at Branston Golf and Country Club car park have left the premises after the club threatened to issue them with a court order.
Yesterday afternoon on Wednesday, August 2, a group of travellers arrived at the site in Burton Road, Branston, and parked two caravans in the car park. After becoming aware of the situation, staff at the venue used a digger to block off the entrance in a bid to prevent any other caravans from further entering the site.
Later that evening at 7.55pm the travellers, believed to be from Ireland, appeared to block the entrance to the car park, which prevented anyone from entering or leaving the grounds.
Dozens of people were left in their cars for up to 30 minutes as they waited for police to arrive at the scene.
One driver caught up in the incident told the Burton Mail that the atmosphere in the car park was 'tense' among drivers as people queued in their cars aiming to leave the site. Staffordshire police were notified by drivers left stranded in the car park and quickly attended the scene, he said.
Management at Branston Golf and Country Club have since informed the travellers that the club would be issuing them with a court order if they refused to leave the site, which they expected to have had delivered today on Thursday, August 3. The group then would then have been required to leave and remove all trace of their presence.
The travellers have since packed up their belongings and left the premises.
Ben Laing, managing director for the club said: "Our security staff and dog handlers are controlling the entrances to Branston Golf and Country Club and preventing any trespassing as well as seeking to ensure the safety of our members and guests.
"All Branston Club and Branston Pavilion activities are continuing as normal.
"Our staff and management have reacted swiftly and professionally to this unexpected intrusion. They are keeping all bona fide visitors to our premises and our immediate neighbours informed of the situation."
"Any potential trespassers should be aware that they are not welcome and we will not hesitate to remove them from our premises and prosecute within the law."
Staff at the club say the travellers left a "mess" that they are currently cleaning up.
Security at the gates to the venue has been increased to prevent any further travellers from entering the site.
