A MEETING is to be set up in the autumn to discuss Poole’s gypsy and traveller problems after residents demanded action.

A group of Irish travellers occupying an area around the playground at Whitecliff has been served with notice to leave the site and the council is due to go to court on Monday.

Feelings are running high among the community over the actions of the travellers group, which moved from a public car park in Baiter to Whitecliff last week, hours before a court deadline.

This week, the council installed a barrier of 37 boulders – each weighing up to 1.5 tonnes – around Turlin Moor Recreation Ground, site of another recent traveller incursion.

Jeff Morley, team manager at Borough of Poole, said: “We will continue to review all sites in Poole and we may consider additional measures to areas of particular concern.

“We need to balance legitimate access to sites for local people while trying to restrict access to travellers. Council staff also need to access sites for maintenance, so any further action must be necessary, proportionate, and provide value for money.”

Cllr Judy Butt, cabinet portfolio holder for public engagement and participation, said: “Both members and officers understand the frustrations of residents when an unauthorised encampment is set up.

“Following a request from residents to hold a formal meeting regarding the gypsy and traveller agenda in Poole, I have met officers and held discussions with the leader, chief executive, and portfolio holder for the environment, and we are looking to set up a meeting in the early autumn.

“We will be discussing our proposals with residents associations over the summer and looking to set a clear agenda with which everyone is happy.”

She added: “We always re-evaluate security at a site following eviction to see if more security measures can be put in place without having a negative impact on residents or visitors to the area.”