YATE Town Council is to spend £4,000 securing a well-used sports ground from travellers.

Councillors agreed to fund two heavy duty barriers to protect Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, on Broad Lane, after a group of travellers set up an encampment on the land in August.

Cllr Chris Willmore said: “We may be wise to get something in place quickly before there any risk of them coming back.

“We don’t want to leave it two months before we agree anything. It is in our interests to do something as quickly as possible.”

Over the summer, travellers moved onto the site, known locally as YOSC, for two weeks before moving on of their own accord.

The complex, which features an athletics track and associated facilities, is used by Yate and District Athletics Club as well as by neighbouring Brimsham Green School during term time.

The council was given the choice of three options; installing an eight-metre swing barrier to protect the car park to the complex, a five-metre swing barrier preventing access to the sports field or barriers to protect both.

Members unanimously agreed to pay for both immediately and request South Gloucestershire Council, which owns the land, to refund the money.