Travellers move onto park and ride site in Weymouth - Dorset

From the Dorset Echo

TRAVELLERS have set up camp at the park and ride site in Weymouth.

A collection of vans and caravans have parked on land next to the entrance of the Mount Pleasant site. Some more caravans are at the far end behind Weymouth Rugby Club.

Police have received a number of calls about the Travellers, who started arriving on Friday, and are monitoring the situation.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “There are about 12 caravans and they’re split into two sites.

“We don’t know how long they will be staying for. The local authority has been made aware.”

The park and ride site is owned by Dorset County Council.

As landowner and providers of a Gypsy and Traveller liaison service, Dorset County Council will have a dual role when dealing with the group.

Travellers last set up camp at the park and ride site in March. They moved off after they were served with a notice to quit.

Local authorities in Dorset have been consulting on proposed permanent and transit sites in Dorset for Gypsy and Travellers.

A report was drawn up at the end of last year based on responses and called for further investigation work to be done including examining new and alternative sites that were suggested. It is understood another consultation will be carried out this year.

see also: The Dorset Echo - Travellers move onto park and ride site in Weymouth for fourth time in a year