TRAVELLERS pitched on Studley Cricket Club tried to hold the club to ransom by refusing to move unless they were paid £2,000.
The group, who arrived on September 18, parked their vehicles on the club’s playing field and demanded the cash be handed over, according to a well placed source.
After being told no, the travellers reduced their asking price to £1,000 and then subsequently £500 when they realised the club would not budge.
The source told the Standard that the Birmingham Road club, who didn’t want to comment when contacted, obtained a bailiff order to remove the trespassers.
“It was a horrible stand-off,” said our source, “there were about six or seven caravans parked around the field and they also had cars and vans with them.
“But luckily within 24 hours they were gone, at around 7.30pm the next day.”
Studley Cricket Club posted a picture of a caravan on the playing field last Friday with the statement: “Unfortunately we will not be able to open the club today.”
