A traveller site that served as a hideout for the killers of PC Andrew Harper has undergone a £4.2 million renovation funded by taxpayers, drawing criticism from residents and the victim's family. The Four Houses Corner site, located near Burghfield Common, Berkshire, was used by Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were convicted of manslaughter in PC Harper's death, as a base for their criminal activities and a place to evade capture.
PC Harper, 28, was killed in August 2019 when he became entangled in a tow rope and was dragged behind the gang's getaway car as they fled the scene of a quad bike theft. At the time of the incident, Cole and Bowers were 17 years old, and the ringleader, Henry Long, was 18. They were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years (Cole and Bowers) and 16 years (Long) respectively. Despite appeals, their sentences were not increased.
The renovation of the site, overseen by West Berkshire Council, includes 17 modern residential pitches, each with amenity buildings containing a kitchen, bathroom, living space, and utility area. Each pitch can accommodate two caravans and has parking for two additional vehicles, with provisions for electric car charging. A new children's play area has also been added. The council stated that the redevelopment was necessary to provide housing for the Gypsy and Traveller community, as no suitable alternative sites exist in the area.
Debbie Adlam, PC Harper's mother, has expressed strong opposition to the redevelopment, calling it an insult to her son's memory. She stated that the families who harboured the killers showed no remorse and even celebrated the sentences. "We can't start our lives again. You can't start Andrew's life again. Life for us is never, ever, going to be the same," she said. Adlam also raised concerns that the site had previously been a source of trouble for police, with officers experiencing vandalism and needing to attend in pairs for safety.
Further anger has emerged with the news that Cole and Bowers are being considered for early release after serving half of their sentences, a measure intended to alleviate prison overcrowding. PC Harper's wife, Lissie, described the potential early release as "deplorable" and "a slap in the face." Prime Minister Andy Burnham has since announced a review of the early release scheme, with prison bosses reportedly told to pause plans for its implementation in September.
Despite the objections, including one from Thames Valley Police, West Berkshire Council defended the redevelopment, emphasizing its legal obligation to provide traveller accommodation. The council stated that since the site reopened, no specific concerns regarding its management have been raised directly with them, and they are working with tenants and local partners to ensure its smooth running. However, residents nearby fear the renovated site will become a welcoming environment for the convicted killers upon their potential release.