TRAVELLERS remain at a leisure centre car park tonight as they stay on after a tense stand-off with police.

The group has set up camp at Perdiswell Leisure Centre car park in Worcester - and tonight they remain there for another night.

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Their arrival on Sunday caused gridlock on Bilford Road. Meanwhile, Worcester City Council says they will be "moved as soon as possible".

Caravans have been at Perdiswell Leisure Centre car park since yesterday afternoon after a tense stand-off with police.

There are currently 11 large camper vans parked in the car park off Bilford Road near the playing fields.

Washing lines were also set up on the grass and children could be seen playing between the vehicles.

Despite the large presence, landowners Worcester City Council said the encampment was unauthorised and the leisure centre, run by Freedom Leisure, remains open. This evening staff declined to comment further on the incursion. 

A city council spokesperson said: "The presence of the travellers at Perdiswell Leisure Centre car park is unauthorised.

"We are working with the police to monitor the site and we will use our powers to ensure the travellers are moved on as soon as possible.

“The leisure centre remains open as normal, allowing customers to use the pool and the other excellent facilities.”

Worried leisure centre members rushed into reception to tell staff caravans were making their way on to the car park.

After the entrance was blocked by police and caravans and large queues of traffic built on Bilford Road, officers removed their vans to allow people trapped in the car park to exit.

As offices allowed leisure centre members' cars to leave the site it led to more caravans making their way onto the land. 

Employees at Perdiswell Leisure Centre on Bilford Road told the Worcester News yesterday they were shocked and scared as worried customers came to report the convoy.

Travellers began arriving at 2.30pm with police swiftly following to "prevent a breach of the peace".

Eight police cars, two police vans and around a dozen officers were at the leisure centre car park during the incident.