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PC Andrew Harper: Decision on site linked to PC's death delayed

Thames Valley Police PC Andrew HarperThames Valley Police
PC Andrew Harper died after his ankles became lassoed in a strap attached to a car

The decision on a £3m upgrade to a traveller site where one of PC Andrew Harper's killers was arrested has been delayed following a police objection.

West Berkshire Council removed the item from its Wednesday planning meeting agenda after Thames Valley Police raised concerns.

PC Harper died after being dragged along a road by quad bike thieves.

One of the teenagers convicted of his manslaughter was arrested at Four Houses Corner caravan site.

The council is applying for planning permission from itself, but delayed approving it on officers' recommendations last year after PC Harper's mother pleaded with them to not allow travellers back.

Debbie Adlam, PC Andrew Harper's mother
Debbie Adlam said the "connection to the site will remain forever"

Debbie Adlam told the last meeting: "I can't take this laying down for Andrew, his memory and his colleagues. They remain haunted by the events of that night.

"I have to protect his memory. We will never be able to move on and that connection to the site will remain forever."

Her request earned a delay on the decision until Wednesday on whether to refurb the site in Ufton Nervet, but it has now been deferred again.

Thames Valley Police's objection raises issues of public safety and policing on the site and echoes concerns and objections raised by residents.

The application seeks planning permission for the creation of 17 permanent traveller pitches with car parking spaces, day rooms, and a children's play area.

It was vacated in 2020 as the area had become dilapidated and posed health hazards, particularly in relation to drainage.

Facebook Long, Bowers, ColeFacebook
Henry Long, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter

Henry Long, from Mortimer, was arrested at the site and eventually jailed for 16 years. His accomplices Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were each given 13 years.

PC Harper was dragged for more than a mile along country lanes in Berkshire after he and a colleague responded to reports of a quad bike theft.

The 28-year-old from Wallingford became lassoed to the back of a car after he stepped into the loop of a tow rope as he tried to apprehend one of the defendants.

In the aftermath PC Harper's wife Lissie Harper successfully campaigned for Harper's Law to give mandatory life sentences to the killers of emergency service workers.

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