TRAVELLERS in more than eight caravans who arrived in Crediton on Monday, September 8 have moved to another location in the town.

This evening, Wednesday, September 10, the travellers moved from the Active Crediton (formerly Lords Meadow Leisure Centre) overflow car park to land behind Crediton’s Tesco superstore off Joseph Locke Way.

Redlands Primary Care - Crediton and Thorverton, the Crediton GP Practice based in Joseph Locke Way, issued a notice to users via its social media platforms at about 7pm which read: “URGENT: This evening a number of travellers have arrived at the surgery site.

Caravans on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore off Joseph Locke Way. AQ 2646
Caravans on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore off Joseph Locke Way. AQ 2646 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“Tomorrow - Thursday, September 11, we will be operating a closed door surgery.

“Please ONLY attend the surgery if your matter is urgent or you have a prebooked appointment.

“Patients will gain access via the side door of the surgery (by the lift) where they will checked in by a member of our team.

“Please be kind to our team tomorrow as we work hard continue to provide a service to our patients.”

Some of the caravans and cars on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore near the Redlands Surgery. AQ 2652
Some of the caravans and cars on the area of land behind Crediton Tesco superstore near the Redlands Surgery. AQ 2652 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

When they arrived at the leisure centre overflow car park on Monday, September 8, it prompted the immediate closure of the leisure centre,

A spokesperson for Active Mid Devon (formerly Mid Devon Leisure) said at the time: “Active Crediton remains closed as we continue to assess the situation and prioritise the safety of our staff and customers.”

“Mid Devon District Council has begun the legal process to move the travellers on, and we’ll keep you updated.

“We understand this may cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we review the situation.”

8 September 2025 Caravans in Active Crediton car park (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)
When the caravans were in Active Crediton car park on September 8. (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The leisure centre closed temporarily on several occasions last year when travellers appeared in the overflow car park. Active Cullompton was shut in July following the arrival of a large number of travellers in a nearby field.

The land on which the travellers have now set up camp is believed to belong to Tesco.

Litter and waste, including some gas cylinders have been left behind in the Crediton leisure centre overflow car park.

• Active Mid Devon (Lords Meadow Leisure Centre) said this evening: “Update: The travellers have now left and we will be open as normal tomorrow morning.

“Clean-up works will begin tomorrow morning. We kindly ask that you avoid using the overflow car park.

“Thank you so much for your patience and understanding - we can’t wait to welcome you back.”