PC Andrew Harper's mother calls for Berkshire traveller site to stay shut

The mother of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty has pleaded for a council not to reopen a traveller site connected to his death.

PC Andrew Harper died after being dragged along the road by three teenage quad bike thieves in 2019.

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

A decision on a £3m refurbishment of the site has been delayed.

Debbie Adlam told a council meeting: "I cant take this laying down for Andrew, his memory and his colleagues. They remain haunted by the events of that night.

"We will never be able to move on and that connection to the site will remain forever."

PC Harper, 28, died as he attempted to apprehend three teenagers who were trying to steal the quad bike.

The officer became entangled in a tow rope attached to their 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.

The UK's Traveller movement spoke out to strongly condemn the actions of the three killers, as well as their alleged lack of remorse and laughter during the trial.

But PC Harper's mother said the family have had no empathy from the traveller community, adding: "I am not a racist person but the community have not had any positive reaction towards us since this terrible thing happened.

"They call those boys that did this heroes."

The Four Houses Corner site was vacated in 2020 as the area had become dilapidated and posed health hazards, particularly in relation to drainage.

The residents who were there living were moved into temporary accommodation nearby.

An initial application for improvements was submitted in 2020 but was deemed invalid by the local planning authority.

The most recent plans have seen 12 rejections, and questions have been raised about the increased number of travellers that could access the area after the revamp.

The proposals include 17 double permanent Gypsy traveller homes, a play area, kitchen and utilities building.

Before planning officers laid out the plans this week, they made a statement saying their sympathies were with the family of PC Harper, but the decisions were being made on planning grounds.

The council has a legal duty to plan for adequate accommodation for the Gypsy and traveller community and has to deliver a five-year supply.The council committee voted to defer the decision on the revamp on grounds that they wanted more clarity on how the flood and drainage issues would be handled.

They also called for a public consultation about the site.

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