TRAVELLERS have set up an encampment in Poole. 

A group of six caravans and vans turned up at Highmoor Farm, the town’s last remaining working farm, on Friday, August 16. 

BCP Council’s spokesman said council staff are due to attend the encampment to carry out welfare checks on the travellers. 

He said: “We are aware that an encampment has formed at Bishop Close, of a reported six units. 

“Our staff will attend site to confirm and 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.” 

According to one resident, access to the farm was gained after the locks to the gates were broken.

Dorset Police has been approached for more details. 

Developers are soon expected to be building a new Nuffield private hospital and Talbot Village Trust ‘innovation quarter’ in the near future. 

The contentious plans, given the go-ahead by the planning inspectorate despite thousands of objections, will see the loss of Highmoor Farm.