A GROUP of travellers has moved onto Fisherman's Walk in Southbourne just days before a concert organised by Southbourne Traders' Association.

Seven caravans moved onto land just past the bandstand at the popular recreation area early yesterday.

Bournemouth Carnival Band have been booked to appear at Fisherman's Walk tomorrow.

The hour-long concert will be staged at Fisherman's Walk between 8pm and 9pm at the top of Fisherman's Walk zigzag/cliff lift.

Wayne Gordon, chairman of Southbourne Traders Association, said: "I think it's absolutely appalling. There is an event scheduled there this Thursday so I don't know what's going to happen with that.

"This area is for people to walk through. Let's hope they're moved on as quickly as possible."

The travellers are a group which recently camped at Shelley Park.

Music blared out around the park as holidaymakers, residents and dogwalkers strolled through.

Boscombe East councillor Andrew Garratt said it was "deeply disappointing" that the travellers had decided to move only half-a-mile.

"It's very rare that a group of travellers leaves the place particularly tidy."

A spokesman for Bournemouth council said it plans to apply for an abridged order from the county courts today. If the application is successful the council can then serve an eviction notice on the travellers straight away.

Traveller Tony Moran, 24, said: "We travel around the whole time trying to find somewhere to stay. We want to keep our kids out of the city.

"This has been going on for generations. Our family has been on the road for 150 years from England to Ireland and back again.

"We will stay for as long as we are permitted to."

Holidaymaker Clare Smithers, 30, from Leighton Buzzard, said: "I just think it's a bit of an eyesore. It is supposed to be a lovely little park for kids to play.

"People just want to relax. They don't want to listen to the music they're playing. The park has lost its peace."

Heather Drayton, who runs Margery Daw Ladies Fashions in Southbourne Grove, said: "We're furious. They shouldn't be there. There is a do on Thursday."