A GROUP of travellers has moved onto land in the centre of Alveston.

About half a dozen caravans moved onto land off Down Road in the village from 5pm yesterday evening (April 23).

A 49-year-old man who lives in Down Road and did not wish to be named saw the first two caravans arrived and was told that they were there because one of their vans had a bad wheel.

“They said that they had no intention of staying and that it was a temporary thing but that’s obviously not the case.

“I called the council shortly after they arrived and very quickly they had someone out there.

“Within half an hour two more caravans onto the land and by 9.30pm another four were there.”

Police officers have been at the field on at least three occasions since they arrived.

“My real concern is about the environment,” he added. “I’ve seen a couple of people going into the wooded area just behind the playground – presumably using it as a toilet.

“I’m not happy with them being there and this is the first time in the 25 years I’ve lived here that any travellers have set up there.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of my neighbours and many of them are quite upset about it but the travellers know about all the timescales and I’m sure the council won’t do anything about it.”