Travellers pitch near Bournemouth primary school - Dorset

From the Daily Echo

A GROUP of Travellers moved onto a playing field in Bournemouth yesterday, close to a children’s playground and two schools.

Around 10 caravans are currently occupying the Duck Lane playing field near Oakmead College of Technology and Elmrise Primary School.

The north Bournemouth site backs onto a popular children’s playground and is used by children walking to school.

One local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I went up there and tried to close the gate to stop any more getting onto the site but they just swore at me and told me it had nothing to do with me.”

And another resident said: “It’s very close to the playground and to the schools. We’ve been told they probably won’t be able to be moved on for 10 days or so, it’s not good enough.”

Gary Josey, service director for housing landlord, parks and open spaces, said: “Our council officers and the police have taken action following this recent Traveller encampment. They will be doing all they can, taking the necessary legal action to move them on.”

• Travellers camped at Broadstone Rec left yesterday.

A spokesman for Poole council said bailiffs visited the site and the group left “peacefully” by noon.

The site will now be cleared.