Travellers set up an unauthorised camp in Dorchester. 

Around nine caravans and motor homes can be seen dotted around the edges of Sandringham Field, close to St Mary's First School, off Armada Way in Dorchester. 

It is reported that the camp was set up around 10.40pm on Tuesday, July 23. 

Dorset Council and Dorchester Town Council were working with police to move the travellers away from the site. 

The police issued the travellers with a direction under section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to vacate the site, which the travellers adhered to this morning (Thursday, July 25.) 

Tony Hurley, assistant town clerk at Dorchester Town Council, said: "We were made aware of the situation yesterday morning. We have been out on site, and discussed this with Dorset Council and the police.

"Following our instructions to police, they have been told to leave the site and move on. It is thought that will be sometime today."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at around 10.40pm on Tuesday 23 July 2024 of an unauthorised encampment off Armada Way in Dorchester. 

"Officers carried out regular patrols in the area and liaised with those present, as well as the local authority.

"The group was issued with a direction under section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to vacate the site.

"They left the site on the morning of Thursday 25 July 2024."

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “A group of travellers at Sandringham Field in Dorchester were served with a Section 62 notice earlier today, which states they must leave the county or stay at Dorset Council’s transit site.

"They appeared to move to West Bay, where the police attended and informed them they could not stay there either. We believe they intend to leave imminently (if they haven’t done so already), but will continue to monitor the situation.

“We’re not aware of similar issues at Portland Beach Road, but have raised the concern with the appropriate Dorset Council officers for investigation.”