THE English Romany families who were ordered off their land in a Worcestershire village have set up camp close to Pershore Abbey.

Seven families from the controversial Eckington site, near Pershore, have moved to the Wychavon District Council-owned parkland, off Abbey Road. They were due to be joined by the remaining four families today.

Tom Wilson, one of the travellers who arrived on Sunday, said since leaving Eckington around two weeks ago they have been moving from place to place.

As a result, children have been removed from their schools because parents cannot guarantee that they will be able to take them.

Also, new mum Rosemary Birmingham has not been visited by a midwife to check up on her month-old son.

"There's nowhere for travellers to go," said Mr Wilson. "We don't want to be here. People don't want us here."

Mr Wilson said they want to return to Eckington or exchange it for another piece of land elsewhere.

He said they moved on to the parkland because there are public conveniences nearby for the women and children and they are away from busy roads to ensure the safety of their children.

And he assured nearby residents that they have no intention of causing trouble.

"The area was clean when we came here and it will be clean when we leave," he said. The families were ordered to leave the Eckington site after a high court judgement ruled they could not stay. They moved on to the land a year ago but problems began when they put up boundary fences and put in water and electricity without planning permission.

SUPPORT FROM LOCAL PEOPLE

PEOPLE living near the Abbey were supportive of the new encampment on their doorsteps.

Jim Richie who lives opposite the park said he sympathised with the situation facing the group.

"I would hope the issue gets resolved amicably," said the 74-year-old.

Another nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said she had mixed views. "I feel quite sorry for them having nowhere to go but they should not be here because there are no facilities for them," she said.

But Wychavon District Council was less charitable.

Jack Hegarty, Wychavon District Council's managing director, said legal action was being taken.

"This is a well-planned trespass of the council's land at Abbey Park in the setting of the Abbey and close to the children's playground," he said.

The gipsies have reassured residents they would not stop VE Day commemorations taking place at the site. The park is due to hold an open air service on Sunday, May 8.