Bournemouth Parkrun cancelled due to traveller encampment

The event was due to take place on August 28 at Kings Park, but organisers have confirmed it has been cancelled due to a traveller encampment.

A statement said: “It is with huge frustration that we have no choice but to cancel tomorrow’s event, yet again due to an unauthorised traveller encampment. 

“They are on the section of course between ‘sweepers corner’ and ‘Katie’s corner’. We have no way of setting up an alternative course or route in time. 

“Once again, the possibility of vehicles moving on the course, out of our control, during the event that we cannot allow the event to go ahead. 

“As the air show is taking place next week, our next event will be the September 11. 

“For those volunteering, please do consider helping out our other local event teams as they will now see boosted numbers due to our cancellation. 

“Sorry for such short notice, however the core team were only made aware last night and we have spent time already down at the park assessing the situation. I do not take this decision lightly, and I am gutted for everyone involved.”

Ward councillor, Lawrence Williams, said he was "very upset" about the encampment and felt "useless" he was not able to help.

Cllr Williams said: "I am not very happy about it. The park is obviously being targeted this year, we don't appear to be getting the security we usually have.

"I get a number of residents complaining to me every time this happens, I feel quite useless not being able to help them.

"The short answer is I am very unhappy, the police will be involved. The long term is we need to find somewhere to offer them when they come over.

"[The cancellation of the Parkrun] is upsetting for the people taking part. This is a long term problem and it isn't a quick solution.

"We need to find somewhere that is agreeable for everybody and get on with it.

"It is a national issue, our team normally do the best they can and I am sure they are doing the best they can now."