Campus closed after unauthorised camp set up

A university campus has been closed after an unauthorised travellers' camp was set up on its sports pitches.

Lincolnshire Police said officers were called on Thursday to a report of a number of caravans and cars making their way onto the playing fields of Bishop Grosseteste University off Longsdale Road in Lincoln.

The force said there had been no reports of disorder and officers would continue to monitor the situation.

The university said a large number of people and vehicles had arrived on campus and advised staff, students and visitors to stay away.

Deputy vice chancellor Tom Dannatt said: "Early this morning we were made aware of a situation in which a large number of people and their vehicles arrived on campus, taking occupation of our sports pitches.

"We are working closely with the police to resolve the matter as quickly and safely as possible and our estates and security team are on campus to support where necessary.

"Our main priority remains to be the safety of our staff, students, planned guests and local community.

"With this in mind, we are asking all staff, students and visitors to not attend campus."

Ben Jackson, public protection and antisocial behaviour manager at City of Lincoln Council, said: "We are aware that an unauthorised traveller encampment has been set up on land in the Longdales Road area of Lincoln.

"In response, we have enacted our protocol for such incidents and are working with our partners and the land owner to better understand how the situation will be managed."

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