Clean-up operation after travellers leave park

Lots of household rubbish has been left at a recreation ground

Plastic, duvets, gas canisters and large piles of wood have been cleared from a recreation ground after travellers were ordered to leave.

Dozens of caravans had been parked at Westcott Recreation Ground, in Swindon, where bollards were broken through to access the site last week.

Following the departure of the group on Wednesday, Swindon Borough Council has had teams on the site clearing up waste that was left behind.

"We'll also be working to repair any damage caused and improving the security of the site for the future," a council spokesperson added.

Council teams have been on site clearing up the rubbish

The Westcott Recreation Ground is often used as a space for circuses and big events.

The group of about 50 travellers set up illegally last week and were served a notice by the council to leave the site by Tuesday.

The council said previously that it was working "closely" with Wiltshire Police to ensure they moved on.

In 2023, Swindon Borough Council allocated £500,000 to Chiseldon Parish Council to spend on the Chiseldon Firs Transit Site.

Located outside of Swindon, the site is within the borough and offers travellers a safe area that does not impact on local residents and reduces unauthorised encampments.