Travellers who set themselves up on a field in west Dorset have now moved on. 

At least 10 caravans and additional vehicles had been seen setting up in Anning Road Playing Field, Lyme Regis, bringing with them a pack of dogs and a horse.

It is understood that the community of travellers gained entry to the park in the morning on Tuesday, June 25. 

Dorset Police has today confirmed that the group has now left the site after being issued with a section 62a notice under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

It is understood that the community of travellers gained entry to the park in the morning on Tuesday, June 25. It is understood that the community of travellers gained entry to the park in the morning on Tuesday, June 25. (Image: NQ)

According to Lyme Regis Town Council, the group 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 were also aware that CCTV cameras are on the site and the council can monitor this.

One Lyme Regis resident who wished to remain anonymous saw the travellers leave early this morning, leaving animal waste behind.

Dorset Police has today confirmed that the group has now left the site after being issued with a section 62a notice under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.Dorset Police has today confirmed that the group has now left the site after being issued with a section 62a notice under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. (Image: NQ)

He said: "They moved on this morning at around 8am. They left horse mess and dog mess on the field which the council are cleaning up, but other than that not much mess left. 

"It’s a relief they’ve moved on and freed up playing field for people to use again. They were very quiet at night which was good and the rubbish wasn't too bad. It was no different to the normal noise we get."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report on the afternoon of Tuesday June 25 relating to the unauthorised encampment and has been liaising with partners at the Lyme Regis Town Council and Dorset Council to monitor the situation and respond appropriately.

"We have worked together to engage with those at the site and ensure any impact on the local community was kept to a minimum.

At least 10 caravans and additional vehicles had been seen setting up in Anning Road Playing Field, Lyme Regis, At least 10 caravans and additional vehicles had been seen setting up in Anning Road Playing Field, Lyme Regis, (Image: NQ)

"We can now update that as of the morning of Thursday 27 June 2024, the group has now left the site after being issued with a section 62a notice under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The mayor, Cllr David Ruffle said: “We would like to thank Dorset Police for their swift response to the situation, which has resulted in a successful and peaceful outcome to a potentially difficult matter.

“Immediately after the community left the playing field, council workers moved in to check and clear the site and make it ready for public use.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Ged Want, of West Dorset police, said: “This has been a positive example of partnership working to ensure the impact of this unauthorised encampment was minimised and successful engagement with the group has led to them leaving the site without any further escalation.

“I would like to thank all those involved in these efforts as well as members of the local community for their patience and understanding as the matter was resolved.”