A group of travellers have claimed that they are the real victims after they arrived with bulldozers and heavy machinery to turn a local beauty spot into the "wild west."
The group appeared on privately owned green belt land near Flamstead, Hertfordshire, over the Easter weekend.
The families moved dozens of caravans and diggers onto the site, subsequently laying concrete across an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty situated close to Luton Airport.
A 70-year-old pensioner from the area said: "It's like the Wild West. They are destroying the community."
Dacorum Borough Council has now escalated the matter to the High Court, classifying the development as an "unauthorised encampment" that began without planning permission.
The authority submitted a planning application for 14 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, which was validated on April 7, four days after initial reports of construction activity.
The travellers maintain they are the genuine victims in this escalating dispute, claiming they have been unfairly portrayed and targeted by the local community.
Speaking at the site, the group expressed their desire to establish a permanent home and create a secure environment for their children, with plans for educational and healthcare facilities.
Travellers have taken over an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty situated close to Luton Airport (stock image)
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They allege that while absent from the land, residents deliberately damaged expensive equipment, with diggers valued at £100,000 reportedly rendered inoperable after wiring was "tactically cut".
The group showed visible damage to machinery and claimed whoever was responsible "knew what they were doing", leaving them feeling unsafe.
Their barrister, Alan Masters, argued the council has a "demonstrable need" for traveller sites and that his clients "had very little choice due to the lack of unsuitable available lawful alternative accommodation in the district."
Local residents present a starkly different account, claiming vehicles forced through their attempts to block access to the site, with reports of damaged cars and a police vehicle being struck during the confrontation.
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Dacorum Borough Council has escalated the issue, claiming the travellers have developed an 'unauthorised encampment'
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A parish councillor accused members of the group of brandishing iron bars and making threats towards residents.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed it has received reports from "several parties" connected to the dispute and have opened an investigation into multiple allegations, including criminal damage and threatening behaviour.
Dacorum Chief Inspector Paul Stanbridge stated: "The works themselves are a civil planning matter and police have no powers to prevent it taking place.
"Our role is to ensure public safety, prevent a breach of the peace and investigate any reports of criminal activity."
The travellers deny acting unlawfully or aggressively, insisting they have been "badly maligned".
The council moved swiftly to halt further development, issuing a temporary stop notice on April 4 and obtaining an emergency injunction from the High Court the following day, which prohibited any unauthorised works or use of the site.
However, at a hearing on Wednesday, Caroline Bolton, representing the council, informed the court that the injunction had already been breached.
The authority stated on its website that it "will be taking further legal action in the coming weeks" and continues to gather evidence of any violations.
The legal battle is scheduled to continue on May 7, when Judge Bilal Saddique will review the case once more.
Dacorum Borough Council has indicated it intends to pursue additional enforcement measures.
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