Tensions over traveller encampments in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire

Tensions between travellers and local residents in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire have reached a boiling point, with both sides accusing each other of intimidation and discrimination. Sky News gained rare access to two illegal encampments, revealing a cycle of evictions, suspected arson, and mutual distrust.

In Buckinghamshire, the Doran family of ten, including father Jimmy and 13-year-old Miley, have been moving from car park to car park after their new static caravan was destroyed in a suspected arson attack. The family had bought a field and moved onto it without planning permission, intending to settle. While filming at a supermarket, a staff member gave them two hours to leave. Later, they showed reporters the wreckage of their caravan, which had been delivered and then set alight. One of their vehicles was also rammed. Jimmy said: "They must be a very evil person to do that. Very, very hurt inside. As a traveller, I felt very discriminated."

Local residents, however, say the travellers lied about their intentions. Caroline Bevan, who lives opposite the site, said the travellers initially claimed they were "digging for carrots" and needed caravans to rest. Jimmy denied this, calling it "absolute rubbish." Bevan said: "Until you have planning permission, you are not welcome on this site, in my opinion." She has also been questioned by police after being accused on social media of carrying out the arson. She blames one of Jimmy's sons for posting a TikTok video. Jimmy apologised for the video but said he was not aware of it.

For Miley, who can barely read or write, the site would have meant a fresh start. She said: "I can do all the stuff that I love. I can be normal, like a normal person, and not be followed in the shops." She said she would love to join a local football team but has never been able to.

In Berkshire, another new encampment sparked a row over water supply, with police called. Travellers said they faced intimidation; residents said they feared blowback for speaking out. At a village hall meeting, one resident said: "What they're doing with the sewage only knows, and those things can be very, very serious." Another added: "There's already this feeling that they bring trouble with them, they're quite bullish and they can be very threatening." They said they discriminate based on behaviour, not identity.

Both travellers and residents feel abandoned by the government. The travellers say a shortage of official sites forces them onto unauthorised land. Residents say they are left to deal with the problem themselves, with one asking: "What am I paying all my taxes for? To then have to take it on myself." The government declined an interview, but a spokesperson said any illegal encampment is unacceptable as it undermines local communities.