Vans on cricket pitch 'heart-breaking', says club

Plymouth City Council had issued a 24-hour notice to quit on site

A cricket club on the outskirts of Plymouth said the news of vans parking on their pitch is "heart-breaking".

Police said they had been made aware of an unauthorised encampment at Dean Cross in Plymstock.

Plymouth City Council had issued a 24-hour notice to quit on site, which was due to expire at 16:30 BST on Wednesday.

Plymstock Cricket Club said it had to cancel everything going on at the club “for the foreseeable future", with the tennis and football teams also affected.

In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police added: "We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at Dean Cross, Plymstock and are liaising with the council in relation to this.

"Officers have attended the site and engaged with the group."

'Massive step backwards'

The club added: "It's absolutely heart-breaking as we have recently put a lot of effort into improving our pitch and facilities and this is going to be a massive step backwards.

"We have been in touch with the council and MP regarding this and hope that they can be moved on soon as this is a very active sports facility used by many in the community."

A council spokesperson said they know this is an area valued by residents, and staff visited alongside police on Tuesday morning to begin the legal process of eviction.

The BBC has contacted the council for an update on the situation.