Fears Bournemouth events will be cancelled if travellers stay

A group of around seven caravans, with associated cars and vans, remain at the park after first arriving on Wednesday, June 7. 

The unauthorised encampment is causing issues for parkgoers, residents and members of the sports club based there. 

Neil Bibby, director of the Oakmeadians Rugby Football Club, said he has already had to cancel some events and fears others will have to be axed too.

He says he even has CCTV footage of a young traveller child 'smashing a window with a hammer' at the club house.

Travellers at Meyrick Park (Image: Daily Echo)

He said: “Our chairlady has been contacting the council over the weekend but has had no response.

"This is an illegal encampment and we watched them as they broke through the gates and the lock. 

“We have community events which we've had to pause while they are there, including our veteran’s breakfast every Saturday.

Read more: Travellers remain in Meyrick Park one week later

“It’s also a little out of season, but the kids can’t play their rugby and neither can the adults. 

“Bourne Pride is also early next month and that may have to be cancelled if the paperwork is not sorted out to evict them soon.  

“We should also have new floodlights going up and we have had to postpone groundwork for it, putting the opening ceremony in aid of the charities Wooden Spoon and The Steve Barnard Foundation in jeopardy.

“The bushes are also being used as a toilet and there has been damage to the club building.

"A kid aged around six smashed the window with a hammer, I saw on the CCTV. It won't cost too much at this stage, but how far can it go on?"

Talbot and Branksome Woods councillor Matthew Gillett said: “They were presented with an eviction notice, but these ones appear to be a little more belligerent than the others a few weeks ago. 

“When I went down there on Sunday to speak to one of the groups [of travellers], there were more on site so some have gone.” 

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Officers are liaising with the local authority and will continue to monitor the situation, alongside our local partner agencies, and will take appropriate further action if required.”