A large of travellers have pitched up at a children’s playing field.

At least 10 caravans and additional vehicles have been spotted in Anning Road Playing Field, Lyme Regis, bringing with them a pack of dogs and several horses.

It is understood that travellers gained entry to the park on Tuesday  morning, with more appearing to arrive throughout the day. 
(Image: Jennifer Mulcahey)

According to Lyme Regis Town Council the group has agreed to dispose of rubbish properly, to clean up after their animals, to keep noise to a minimum, especially late at night, and to leave the site as they found it.

They are also aware there is CCTV on the site and the council can monitor this.

One Lyme Regis resident who wished remain anonymous said: “I am worried, they are still arriving. I don’t have a problem with travellers as long as they are at the correct place.

“They have got horses and dogs in the field. I reckon there are about 10 caravans and additional vehicles.”

Another resident who also wished to remain anonymous added: “They only arrived this morning, I have spoken to the town council, and they are aware.

“The kids play football on those fields and now there is a horse and six dogs running around in a pack.”

A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Town Council said: "We are aware of the traveller encampment at Anning Road Playing Field, which is owned by the town council.

"The council has a policy and procedure in place to address gypsy and traveller encampments and we are implementing this. We have legal duties we have to meet and we are adhering to these, while also being aware of the concerns of the local community.

"We have visited the site to speak to the community, assess the impact of the encampment and establish the intentions of the community. This was a friendly exchange and the community understood the sensitivity of being located on a children’s playing field and in a residential area.

"The community agreed to dispose of rubbish properly, to clean up after their animals, to keep noise to a minimum, especially late at night, and to leave the site as they found it. They are aware there is CCTV on the site and the council can monitor this.

"We have informed the police about the situation and also the gypsy and traveller liaison officer at Dorset Council. Discussions are ongoing and we will issue further updates when we have them.

"We will be visiting the site each day to actively monitor the situation and we already have an indication of when they will be leaving the site."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 12.09pm on Tuesday, June 25, of an unauthorised encampment in the area of Anning Road in Lyme Regis.

"Officers have been liaising with the local authority. We will continue to work with our partners to monitor the situation and take any further action if appropriate."