Travellers demand £500 ransom

A group of travellers issued a £500 ransom demand to a Yorkshire golf club after parking their caravans in its car park.

According to the Hull Daily Mail, a group of around half a dozen adults with two caravans turned up at Beverley and East Riding Golf Club on August 9, and parked in the club’s car park while a competition was in progress.

‘The group were said to be aggressive towards club staff after they were asked to leave, saying they would only do so when they were paid money,’ states the paper.

They eventually left after several hours, but only after the club started taking legal action.

Fulford Golf Club near York is reported to have faced a similar experience recently.

Beverley and East Riding Golf Club secretary, Andrew Webster, said: “They came about 1.15pm and just parked up in the car park. We had a big competition on at the time and we were absolutely rammed.

“They were just parked in one corner. I still can’t believe they’re gone now to be honest, from my experience they normally stay in one place for longer.

“They were asking for money, they were trying it on, but they’re not as intimidating as they try to make out.

“At first they asked for £500, then later it was £350. I asked the pastures manager to get the legal documents ready to have them removed and then they left.

“I think the fact we were absolutely rammed helped us in the end because it meant they weren’t getting any attention.

“They didn’t really cause any trouble, it was just a bit of a nuisance really. They were a bit aggressive to start off with after I confronted them.”

A member who wanted to remain anonymous said: “I’ve heard that travellers are now trying to do this at other golf clubs and at events like weddings, where they turn up and ask for money.

“I think what they’re doing is wrong and something needs to be done about it.”

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