Travellers moved on from Kingston Lacy - Dorset

From the Stour and Avon Magazine

A LARGE number of caravans, trailers and vans parked up on both sides of the Beech Avenue at Kingston Lacy on Tuesday.

The vehicles were moved on by bailiffs enlisted by the National Trust.

The land has in the past been the subject of Traveller incursions which on occasions have caused problems for neighbouring farmers and resulted in considerable damage.

National Trust spokesman Allan King said: "There were a total of 21 vehicles, and we took steps to remove them because the Beech Avenue is such a special place and we don't want it to be spoiled.

"We had to call the bailiffs in, but the Travellers were only there for 14 hours.

"We have been able to tidy up the site and will be replacing one of the young trees which was damaged."

Farmer Chris Tory, who lost stock during an earlier Traveller incursion, said: "It is unusual for them to come at this time of year, but thank goodness they left on Tuesday evening."