West Berkshire traveller site upgrade to be approved

Controversial plans to approve a £4m upgrade to the traveller caravan site linked to the death of PC Andrew Harper are likely to be approved by West Berkshire Council.

Officials say they fully recognised the tragic events surrounding the death of PC Harper in 2019, saying that the council had the deepest sympathy with all those effected by this tragedy.

While nearly 50 objections had been raised on the application as a result of the tragedy the council says the purpose was to only consider the planning merits of the application.

PC Andrew Harper died after being dragged along the road by a stolen quad bike.

Two of the thieves were arrested at the Four Houses Corner site in Ufton Nervet, which was shut in 2020 due to its dilapidated state.

The officer became entangled in a tow rope attached to the thieves’ Seat Toledo and was dragged at “breakneck” speed for more than a mile along country lanes.

Henry Long, who was driving the car towing the stolen quad bike, was jailed for 16 years, while his accomplices Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, were each given 13 years.

Most of the objections centre around the insult to PC Harper’s memory, some so emotive they are unprintable.

The council has to maintain a five-year supply of caravan pitches for travellers and this site would contribute to the legally required number of pitches.

If the council does not meet the required plots, it could be forced to accept a planning application for a less favourable site.

PC Harper's mother

PC Harper’s mother, Deborah Adlam, addressed the previous meeting of West Berkshire Council’s eastern area planning committee, saying that the community was haunted by the events surrounding PC Harper’s death and his memory should be protected.

She said the residents should know who would be staying at the site and that the site was supposed to be just women and children, and this was not the case.

She added there was a history of damaged property and misbehaviour at the site and that there were concerns over the safety of police officers who would have to police the site.

The site at Four Corners has been established for 14 years, but was considered run-down and no longer fit for purpose in 2016.