STAFF at Malvern Splash Leisure Complex have been thanked for their professional response to being abused and intimidated by travellers.

Abuse was hurled at visitors and staff at the leisure centre which was forced to close after an illegal encampment was set up in a neighbouring car park.

Travellers originally set up camp at Three Counties Showground on Saturday (August 3) where two arrests were made for common assault and theft.

The same group then moved onto the car park opposite Malvern Splash on Sunday (August 4) where there were further reports of abuse and staff being intimidated. 

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Police sergeant Jason Maiden, from Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It is thankfully rare that an unlawful encampment causes issues in our community, but whenever there are concerns, we will always work robustly to deal with them.

“I am pleased to say that, working with Malvern Hills District Council, we have moved on this group that was causing anti-social behaviour and disruption at the Splash site within 24 hours, which shows we will always act swiftly.”

West Mercia Police and Malvern Hills District Council moved the group on Monday evening.

Officers used Section 60 powers and directed the group to leave earlier than their Tuesday morning deadline because of concerns about further disruptive behaviour. 

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, who is the ward member for Great Malvern at Malvern Hills District Council, recognised the prompt and professional response of staff at Malvern Splash following the threatening behaviour. 

She added: "I would like to thank the police too for their rapid follow-up and response.

"I am pleased to hear that Freedom Leisure demonstrated good welfare support for the staff affected."

Rob Tyler, Freedom Leisure area manager, added: "We would like to thank our colleagues for dealing with the situation in a calm and measured manner and for the actions they had to take, following the advice received from Malvern Hills District Council and the police, to ensure all our staff and customers were safe.

"We’d also like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding and for the goodwill messages we’ve received in support of the staff at Malvern Splash."