24-hour security at Burghfield traveller site called 'waste of taxpayer money'

Burghfield residents have complained about 24-hour security at a traveller site.

Four Houses Corner in Ufton Nervet – where PC Andrew Harper's killer was arrested in 2019 – is currently under 24-hour guard, with dogs.

Residents of the site have been moved into temporary housing while West Berkshire Council oversees a major refurbishment there, which began last year.

One resident told the Newbury Weekly News they are becoming "increasingly concerned by what seems so be a complete waste of taxpayers' money".

"We are in the middle of a national financial crisis," they added. "How can West Berkshire Council justify around the clock security at taxpayers' cost?"

A spokesperson for MPDFM, the security company contracted by WBC, confirmed it has been guarding the site for at least four months.

A WBC spokesperson said: "The cost of security is covered by WBC as we have a duty of care to ensure the land remains safe and secure prior to the refurbishment.

"The project has been slightly delayed for various reasons and it is hoped that work will start later this year."

The council is yet to disclose the cost of maintaining the security at the site.