DIRECTORS at a volunteer-run sports centre say they have been overwhelmed by support from their town after a group of travellers bowled up on their cricket pitch.

The caravans first arrived at the Ross Sports Centre in Wilton Road on April 14 and stayed for six nights.

The directors of the community interest company were left disheartened by the lack of support from Herefordshire Council, who they lease the land from, and looked at the possibility of turning their back on the centre.

But they have been encouraged by the number of residents in Ross who have offered their support, including Roger Parckar, managing director of Dawleys in Ross.

He has offered to pay the £300 fee which Herefordshire Council charged to serve a notice on the travellers to vacate and the fee charged by private bailiffs to move the group on.

Mr Parckar said the plight of the sports centre was brought to his attention by an article in this newspaper.

He said: “Having read the article in the Hereford Times, I felt we should do something.

“The fact they couldn’t get any assistance from any of the authorities and they are all doing it as volunteers, it seemed to me something should be done. They are helping the kids in the area.

“They have done such a brilliant job. I did see the place before it was renovated.

“They have done it all on a voluntary basis.

“It is criminal it should be put at risk.”

The sports centre runs football and cricket teams for youngsters in and around Ross-on-Wye.

On Thursday morning after the travellers had left, town councillor Daniel Lister and residents Gregory and Lynsey Bundy went down to the centre to tidy and pick up rubbish.

One of the directors, Paul Flitney, said Jackie Talbot has offered to put security bars in to further protect the site, while parents of children who play sport at the centre have also made donations to the cause.

Mr Flitney added: “It is a really good news story from a really negative one. It has galvanised the community and people are now more aware of what we do.”