Hexham’s Tyne Green has become the focus of a growing dispute over unauthorised camping, fires and the use of the children’s play park to contain horses. Town mayor Coun Derek Kennedy is calling for action after caravans, campervans and tents were reported on the popular public green throughout the summer.
The site is traditionally used each year by some travellers heading to the Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria. However, Coun Kennedy said other visitors had also been flouting the rules this year, with some people staying in tents for weeks and using the area as what he described as a “pretend caravan park”.
Fires, blocked routes and damage
Coun Kennedy said piles of wooden pallets had been burned at Tyne Green despite wildfire warnings. He also reported that horses had been enclosed in the children’s play park, leaving horse muck behind and creating concerns about children and animals sharing the same space.
The disruption has affected several groups that use the green, including the golf club, rowers, Parkrun participants and families using the play area. One Parkrun event had to be cancelled and a different course introduced because caravans were blocking the route.
According to Coun Kennedy, large perimeter stones were moved and a bolt was cut from the gate to allow unauthorised caravans to enter the green. He said complaints had been made about the situation and warned that confrontations could develop between people using the site unlawfully and its legitimate users.
“I'm really worried this is going to escalate. We shouldn't be having people use Tyne Green as a pretend caravan park - the rules support that.”
Council and police meeting planned
Coun Kennedy, who also represents Hexham on Northumberland County Council, said he had raised the matter with the county authority and requested an inter-agency meeting. Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Police were expected to attend a meeting to consider what action could be taken.
He has also placed the issue on the agenda for Hexham Town Council’s September meeting, with the aim of developing an action plan and restoring the green for its intended uses.
Northumberland County Council said there had been an increase in unauthorised camping on public open spaces this year, including on or near Tyne Green. The authority said it and its partners would review the position and consider appropriate collective action.
A council spokeswoman said visitors should use legal, designated campsites and report illegal activities to police. The advice forms part of the authority’s “Love it Like it’s Yours” campaign, which promotes responsible use of the county’s green spaces.
