TRAVELLERS have pitched up in caravans on a Worcester park but have been told to leave by the council.
Eight caravans, together with vans and cars, have set up on King George V Playing Fields (Brickfields Park), some near a hedge adjoining people's back gardens.
However, an officer at West Mercia Police, who says he wants to see a 'peaceful resolution' to the situation, has confirmed that Worcester City Council has given the group a direction to leave.
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In total eight caravans are on the site this afternoon. A spokesman for the King George Community Centre, who declined to be named, said he understood there had been 'no issues' so far.
One resident said the travellers had been given a notice to move within 24 hours. He believes the group arrived from Malvern.
He said: "I think they have been told to move on anyway. Yesterday morning there was a queue of them to get in the park. They got in down the bottom (Astwood Road end of Brickfields Road).
"Hopefully, they should be gone by tonight."
The man, who did not wish to be identified, said some travellers arrived at 8.30am yesterday after others turned up the night before at 11.30pm.
"There was a bit of shouting earlier on as they have some little ones," he said.
Inspector Fergus Green said the matter was led by Worcester City Council, not West Mercia Police, but that he understood the travellers had agreed to comply with the direction.
It is only if they do not comply that West Mercia Police would become involved.
Inspector Green said: “The Safer Neighbourhood team will support Worcester City Council if needed, however our hope is for a peaceful resolution.”
A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: “Following a visit to the site yesterday morning to undertake welfare checks on the group, notices were served requesting the site to be vacated by 5pm on Friday, July 11.
“Our officers are working with colleagues at West Mercia Police and continue to engage with the travelling group to encourage them to comply with the notice.”
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