ANGRY neighbours are demanding action after travellers set up yards from their family homes.

Many residents are keeping their children and pets inside, as large dogs have been spotted prowling around the impromptu encampment at Bearwood.

The first caravans pulled onto the land, known locally as Lionheart Field, on Friday evening, after most Borough of Poole workers would have clocked off for the night.

One concerned neighbour, whose home backs on to the camp, said: “All the neighbours were calling the out of hours Borough of Poole line but we didn’t get any response.

“We wanted the council to come down and lock the metal gate to the field, which is normally locked at dusk.

“As soon as we saw two caravans on Friday, we knew there would be more. But we didn’t hear anything back from the council.

“A lot of neighbours are keeping their children and dogs in because of the travellers.”

Yesterday, the camp had grown to include five caravans, two large tents and assorted other vehicles.

Police and council officials are aware of the encampment.

Bearwood councillor Peter Maiden said: “This is the time of year travellers tend to be on the move.

“There is a process in hand to establish permanent sites, but this is still ongoing.

“Unfortunately travellers will be travellers.

“They know the law and they will probably stay on site for the 21 days allowed by law then move on.

“All we can do is monitor the situation.”

The worried resident, who asked not to be named, added: “People are finding it difficult to sleep at night because every time we go to our windows they are right there.

“We have lived here for 20 years and there has never been any travellers on this field.”

Homes in Lionheart Close, King Richard Drive and Crusader Road all back on to the traveller site.