DOZENS of police officers, the force helicopter, an ambulance and two fire engines were called in to Yorkley Court Farm over several days as environmental activists were evicted and then re-occupied the land.

The question many are asking is: who picks up the bill? Among them is Forest councillor Alan Grant (UKIP, Pillowell), who says he plans to make a Freedom of Information request to find out.

Another district councillor, Andrew Gardiner (Ind, Lydbrook and Ruardean), whose grandson was one of the activists living on the farm, has called for a public inquiry into the authorities’ handling of the Yorkley Court situation.

Cllr Grant said: “The response seems over the top and unnecessary. I will be making a Freedom of Information request about the cost.

“It is not right that the taxpayer should pick up the cost.

“It’s a shame it has come to this and that they have been shoved out of their homes.”

Landowner Mr Brian Bennett says he met the costs of the eviction which took place on Thursday and saw one of the activists arrested.

The activists returned to the community farm on Friday and two fire engines were called after a ‘welfare unit’ brought to the site for contractors clearing the site was torched.

Both sides have accused the other of violence and intimidation.

Mr Bennett claims he had to evict the ‘squatters’ and demolish buildings to comply with planning permission or risk prosecution.

He said the £30,000 welfare unit was set on fire and gas cylinders and other items buried to act as booby traps.

He also claimed he had tried to work with the activists to find an alternative site.

The activists’ rejected the claim about ‘booby traps’, saying they were ‘clearly visible defences’ and the police were aware of them.

They also say claims about assaults with weapons are ‘a complete fabrication’ and point out that if there had been such assaults there would be many injuries and arrests for grievous bodily harm.

They say the only arrest on Thursday was for affray and the man arrested had himself received injuries.

Gloucestershire Police say ‘public order-trained’ officers were sent to the farm “to ensure the safety of those present” after some people were seen on the site with weapons and acting threateningly.

The eviction took place as the Forest Food Hub – which the community farmers are credited with starting – was shortlisted for an award in BBC Radio 4’s food and farming awards.