After being plagued by anti-social behaviour and mess for years, Alveston’s problems with travellers could soon be a thing of the past.

Funding has been allocated to protect the village green, occupied by illegal traveller encampments each summer for the last six years.

A raised mound of earth, known as a bund, will now be installed along the edge of the Down Road site, to stop caravans and other vehicles accessing the village green.

The news follows a campaign by residents and councillors. During the summer, more than 600 signatures were collected as part of two petitions, one online and one that was presented to the council in July.

South Gloucestershire Council has earmarked £15,000 for the project, with a further £5,000 being allocated by Alveston Parish Council.

Cllr Matthew Riddle (Con. Severn Vale) said: “We are delighted that the council has listened to our concerns and have found the necessary funding to make this happen. This is a massive win for the people of Alveston who have had to put up with unwanted disruption for far too long and we want to thank everyone who collected and signed the petition.”

Cllr Keith Burchell (Con. Severn Vale) added: “The improvements would not only prevent travellers from gaining access to the field but it would save taxpayers’ money from being continually spent on the resulting clean-up. We also want to thank Alveston Parish Council, both for being a major part of the campaign and for their contribution towards the funding.”

Marcus Fry, chair of Alveston Parish Council, said: “The bund should reduce the risk of unwanted access and subsequent costs and increase the biodiversity of the amenity. Many thanks to all those that helped raise awareness of the need for the bund.”