Trashed: '£4,000 bill' to clear mess at Duck Lane - Dorset

From the Bournemouth Echo

WITHIN hours of moving onto Pelhams Park the Travellers were making themselves at home yesterday.

Washing had been hung out to dry with plastic tables and chairs providing the ideal sunbathing spot. Babies were being wheeled in pushchairs while older children were having an impromptu game of football or wandering over to nearby Pelhams Park leisure centre.

The large white boulders surrounding the site had failed to keep the Travellers off and 17 vans had arrived by lunchtime.

Many residents were unaware the Travellers had set up temporary home on their doorstep.

The earliest date the council can obtain an eviction order is next Monday.

Gary Josey, Bournemouth council’s director for housing landlord, parks and open spaces, said Duck Lane had been left in “a disgraceful state.”

He added: “The area is littered with human waste, green waste and dog waste amongst other rubbish including building rubble, gas canisters, Tarmac and wood.

“Our contractor Watsons have been instructed to begin the clear up operation and to disinfect the area – the cost is estimated to be in the region of £4,000 but it could be even more.”

Mr Josey said council officers and the police were currently liaising with the Pelhams Park encampment.

He told the Daily Echo: “Our council officers successfully defended Kinson Common from an illegal encampment but unfortunately the Travellers, who were previously in Duck Lane, gained access to Pelhams Park on Sunday evening.

“Our officers have taken swift action and are working with the police to take the necessary legal action to move them on as soon as possible.”