TRAVELLERS who set up camp on Yate Common have left a trail of destruction after abandoning the site.

The group were spotted leaving Yate at around 5.30pm last night, after being parked up on the common for over a week. 

They leave behind an abandoned caravan, a large scrap heap and a significant amount of litter.

According to reports on social media, the caravan was badly damaged by youngsters after the travellers left it at the site.

Pat Cotterell, Friends of Yate Common Treasurer, said: "I am devastated to see the damage that has been done to the field.

"I cannot see it recovering in time for a hay cut this year, and there is damage to the small group of skylarks that nest in the field.

"Although the mess they leave can be taken away, it's the wildlife and wildflowers that suffer."

South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) announced yesterday that they were applying for an order from Bristol Magistrates court to remove the group, but this will no longer be necessary now that the travellers have left.

It is believed that they may have moved to a location nearby, according to reports on social media site Facebook.

South Gloucestershire Council have today secured the area and Yate Town Council will be helping with a clean up effort.