A sizeable group of travellers has taken over the training facilities at Taunton Vale Sports Group, the official training ground for Somerset County Cricket Club, leading to the abrupt closure of the centre. Overnight on Sunday, the travellers arrived and set up camp on the cricket pitch, causing visible damage including tyre marks directly on the wicket.
Taunton Vale Sports Group, which serves as the venue for Somerset’s Second XI and County Age Group teams, announced that all cricket activities are cancelled until further notice. This also affects scheduled fixtures that will need to be rescheduled or relocated. The facility, which also includes a 3G football pitch, tennis courts, and a sports hall, has closed all sports and clubhouse access as the site remains occupied.
Steve Archer, General Manager of Taunton Vale Sports Club, informed members and users that the site will not reopen before Thursday, 10th July 2025, pending a court order to evict the group. “The entire site remains closed due to the presence of the travellers on the main cricket ground,” said Archer. “We are working to obtain a court order for eviction and will keep all members and venue users updated.”
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This occupation follows a recent similar incident in Taunton, where travellers had pitched up at Leslie Avenue and Greenway but have since moved on. The closure also impacts local football teams utilizing the 3G pitch, including the Soccer Sixes Football League, which holds regular matches on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Somerset County Cricket Club and Taunton Town Council have been contacted for comment regarding the situation.