TWO groups of travellers have moved on to a popular harbourside beauty spot in Poole.

They set up camp on grass at the viewpoint adjoining Rockley Park holiday park, Ham Common nature reserve and close to the Royal Marines base in Hamworthy on Wednesday night.

The Borough of Poole is monitoring the situation but has not started legal proceedings to evict them from the land they are occupying – which does not form part of the Ham Common SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) – because they are not causing any harm.

Extra security guards have been drafted in at Rockley Park, which is expecting around 5,000 people at the weekend.

The members’ lounge Tides closed early on Wednesday night, but was open yesterday, with guards checking passes to stop intruders from gaining entry.

While the Echo was at the scene, three tree and garden services pick-up trucks laden with cuttings went in or out of the travellers’ site.

Several passers-by stopped to look at the encampment, but one Rockley Park caravan owner, who did not want to give his name, said: “It goes on all over the country. They’ve got to live somewhere.”

Jeff Morley, the council’s regulatory services team manager, said: “Fourteen traveller caravans, a camping van and one tent are currently located in the car parking area adjacent to Rockley Park.

“We are regularly visiting the site to provide refuse sacks, assess the behaviour of the travellers and reduce any impact on the local area, including Rockley Park.”

It is believed that the two sets of travellers do not know each other and that neither is the same group that recently occupied a site in Creekmoor and has apparently left the area.

The incursion is the second in the area this week, following one in King’s Park, Bournemouth, on Monday night.

A spokesman for Rockley Park said: “We are working closely with the local council and police service. We have increased security around the park and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

  • HOME Office guidance says local authorities have to consider the needs of travellers, such as schooling and health facilities, and exercise tolerance when they occupy public land.

If they do apply for an eviction order, they have to show those needs have been considered and provide evidence that the travellers’ continued presence is causing harm to the local area.

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