Travellers have set up at a busy Darlington park, as residents demand action from the council after reports of human faeces and toilet paper left near paths.
Several caravans have moved into Springfield Park in Darlington on Saturday, July 4.
A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson confirmed the authority is aware of the encampment and has already begun the legal process to have it removed.
They said: “We are aware of the encampment and will be serving notice to ensure they move on quickly.
“Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act we have to give them reasonable time to vacate the site and then proceed through the courts.”
Ward councillors Jamie Bartch and Andy Keir said they share residents’ concerns and have urged the council to use “every available legal power” to restore the site to open land.
They said: “We are extremely concerned by the unauthorised encampment at Springfield Park and fully understand the anger and frustration being expressed by residents.
“We are working closely with the council and cabinet members to ensure every available legal power is used to bring this situation to an end as quickly as possible.”
Today (July 6), the councillors say they have been sent photographs which appear to show human faeces and discarded toilet paper around the edge of the field and on nearby paths.
They said: “We have now received multiple reports from residents, along with photographic evidence, showing what appears to be human faeces and discarded toilet paper around the edge of the field and on paths. This is completely unacceptable.
“Springfield Park is a public space for families and children, and no one should have to encounter conditions like these when using their local park.
“The park was never designed to accommodate an encampment of this size and has no appropriate welfare facilities. It should not be home to any unauthorised encampment."
People living around Springfield Park have been divided in their views, with some demanding tougher action and others saying the group should be left alone.
One resident on social media said: “Better measures need putting in to prevent them getting on that field, there are plenty of purpose-built sites without parking on playing fields."
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However, another resident said the encampment should be allowed to stay temporarily.
They said: “What is the big deal, they have been doing it for centuries and they move on in a week or so, leave them be.”
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