Further travellers on residential green in Canford Heath

BCP Council says it is aware of around nine living units and associated vehicles again situated in the green area between Stinsford Road and Ryall Road in Canford Heath.

This comes after another group were reported to be on the same land yesterday (June 13) but left overnight.

Another encampment, believed to be separate, was also reported on land in the nearby Sopers Lane yesterday.

A council spokesperson said: “Our staff are visiting site to carry out the statutory welfare and educational needs assessment, along with any necessary risk assessments in order to determine the level of support to be given to the group. We are liaising with Dorset Police.

“We will be visiting, liaising with and monitoring the site going forward.”

Dorset Police said officers have attended the site and are liaising with those present as well as the local authority.

Unauthorised encampment in green area between Stinsford Road and Ryall Road in Canford Heath

They added: “We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our local partners and will take appropriate further action if required.”

Updates on the encampment are being provided to residents by ward councillors Sandra Moore and Sean Gabriel – who said he believed a section 61 notice had been issued by police and expects the group to leave by the end of the day.

He told the Echo: “When they arrived in the early hours they woke a lot of residents up because of the noise from the generators.

“It’s really sad for residents as it’s very loud and a lot of them have had to shut their windows because of that and because of the vehicle fumes – which on a hot day is not ideal.

“I think we’ve got to look at hardening that site from vehicle access. It’s lovely field which is used by dog walkers and local children who are used to flying kites and playing football on it. Sadly now the field looks a right mess so I’m really sorry for our residents being inconvenienced.”

Some elderly residents apparently reported to Cllr Gabriel they were too nervous to leave their homes while the encampment was in place.

Cllr Gabriel also added he was grateful to his council colleagues, police and MP Michael Tomlinson for their quick reactions to the various encampments.