COUNCILS are taking action to stop travellers from invading public land, after poo was left on a playing field and branches were ripped from trees in the latest disgusting incident.

Human waste and other rubbish was dumped by travellers near a children’s play park in Thornbury. They moved onto the Mundy Playing Fields on Friday and stayed there until Monday, leaving behind a disgusting mess.

As well as rubbish, there was irreparable damage to trees and the ground.

Thornbury Parkrun was cancelled on Saturday as a result of the travellers’ presence, while residents reacted angrily on social media. One post said: “They were ripping branches down to use for their fire Why do a few people have so little respect for public spaces?”

In Alveston, travellers have repeatedly invaded The Green.

Following the incident at Mundy Playing Fields, a spokeswoman for Thornbury Town Council said: “The town council put in place actions to clear up the mess left as soon as possible.

“We would like to emphasise that camping is not permitted on the Mundy Playing Fields or any council owned land.

“This incident incurred a number of costs to be met by the council, including staff time to clear up afterwards and staff time to liaise with the various agencies involved.

“With regard to preventative measures, the town council is actively working with other relevant organisations, including the police and South Gloucestershire Council, to clarify our options.”

Councillor Helen Harrison added: “As chair of the Playing Fields and Cemetery Committee, I was kept informed at all stages and would like to thank the council outdoor staff for dealing with the situation in such a professional and sensitive way.”

Nearby Alveston, where travellers have repeatedly invaded the Down Road green in recent years, could soon have a physical barrier put in place to keep them out.

South Gloucestershire councillors Matthew Riddle and Keith Burchell said in a joint statement: “Since our election in May we have formed a working group to campaign and plan for action, which, alongside ourselves, includes Alveston Parish Councillors and local residents.

“We have organised two site meetings on The Green with South Gloucestershire Council officers and the relevant cabinet member, which have concluded that the best and simplest way forward is an earth bund or bank no higher than half a metre.

“The bund will be planted with wild flowers to help biodiversity and pollinators. We now have a price for the bund/bank and are now lobbying for the funding.

“We would like to thank the local residents very much who went door to door in the village with a petition, which we then presented at the last full Council meeting in July and thank local resident Shelagh Davey who came and spoke so well at that meeting.

“We are now working with South Gloucestershire and Alveston Parish Council to get funding for the scheme.”