Bognor Regis traveller camp: Pub supports rugby club financially after activities had to be postponed

Bognor Rugby Football Club reported on social media – on Thursday evening (August 29) – that 'unfortunately and frustratingly', travellers had ‘taken-over the area’ behind the first and second team pitches.

The club postponed all activities at Hampshire Avenue, adding: "The decision was necessary for the safety and welfare of all club members and visitors."

The travellers have since left the site and the club can resume operating this weekend.

“WE’RE BACK,” the club announced on Tuesday, September 2.

"Rugby returns to Hampshire Avenue, this Saturday, as we welcome Basingstoke Men’s Rugby for the season curtain raiser [kick-off at 2pm].

“We look forward to welcoming back our supporters, club mates and rugby family, for what will be an exciting game! The bar will be open.”

The William Hardwicke – a pub in Bognor High Street – stepped in to support the rugby club.

A Facebook post read: “We want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent challenges faced by our Bognor Rugby Club, which has had to temporarily close due to some disruptions in the area.

“In light of this situation, The William Hardwicke is stepping in to help! This weekend, we will be donating a percentage of all drink sales to support the rugby club as it navigates through this temporary closure.

“Let’s come together to show our support for local initiatives and enjoy some time with friends for a great cause! Together, we can strengthen our community bonds!”

One-Bike Shaun, the rugby club’s chairman, responded.

He said: “This is such a fantastic and thoughtful offer, especially given the struggles that all pubs go through at the moment. Thank you so much and I’d love to come and meet you in person to thank you.”

Sussex Police confirmed it was made aware of the group of travellers arriving at the rugby club on August 29.

A spokesperson added: “They were then served notice to leave under Section 60c of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act on August 30. No vehicles remain at the site.”

Last week, Arun District Council said staff were ‘aware of reports of travellers at Bognor Regis Rugby Club’.

A spokesperson added: “This is Arun District Council land and we will be working with the police and West Sussex County Council to follow the appropriate procedures.”

In an update this week, the district council said: “The information provided to us from West Sussex County Council is that the police used their powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (CJPOA) and issued a direction for this group to leave Hawthorn Recreation Ground by 6pm on August 30.

"At that time the group temporarily relocated to the Regis Centre Car Park before the police again used their powers – this time under Section 60C of the CJPOA – requesting the group to leave. The group had left Arun by August 31.”

In July, Sussex Police said it had used new powers to deal with unauthorised traveller encampments 39 times since they were introduced two years before.

In June 2022, it was made an offence for someone over 18 to reside on land without the owner’s consent and have, or intend to have, at least one vehicle with them.

The powers have made police able to arrest people and seize equipment, including vehicles, in relation to the offence.