TRAVELLERS have returned to a Southampton park less than a month after being forced to leave.
Several caravans have been spotted again at Mayfield Park in Weston despite a “direction to leave” being issued by Southampton City Council around three weeks ago.
The travellers' return comes just one day after a similar unauthorised encampment was spotted at Riverside Park, in Townhill Park.
Matthew Edge, 44, who lives in Woolston spotted the white caravans as he took his seven-year-old daughter Isabelle to school on Thursday morning.
He told the Daily Echo: “I was taking my daughter to school around 8.30 this morning when I spotted that the travellers had returned and reported it to the police.
“They do have an impact on the local area as the last time they were here the local Co-Op on Weston Lane had to hire extra security guards.
“Even the local playground at the other end of the park is now out of commission which is a huge shame as it was really popular with the children.”
READ MORE: Travellers set up encampment at Riverside Park
Last month, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “If the occupants fail to leave, Southampton City Council will make an application to the court for the occupants to be evicted.”
- Should travellers be allowed to use the city's parks? Email your views to newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk
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