BOURNEMOUTH was this weekend placed under ‘lockdown’ after travellers from France illegally set up camp near AFCB’s ground.

Eight vehicles arrived at the lorry park close to Dean Court on Saturday morning, with two more turning up during the afternoon.

However, all 10 vehicles moved to nearby Cotlands Road close to the Asda superstore after Bournemouth council security officials intervened.

A spokesperson from the borough council said: “Two further vehicles attempted to gain entry to Kings Park on Saturday afternoon.

“We have security there and they were refused entry.

“All of the vehicles have now left that site.”

She said the town was on “lockdown”, adding: “All of our parks and public open spaces are protected.

“Cotlands Road is not an area of as high density as Kings Park. Security are remaining at Kings Park, and also visiting Cotlands Road once an hour.”

Central ward councillor Bob Chapman said he was “worried” to hear of the development.

“I am somewhat alarmed by the news,” he said.

“We are normally visited by groups of travellers during the summertime, and you don’t expect them in February.

“It must be worrying for people who will be going to work on Monday morning as that area is extremely busy on weekdays with people on their way to work. It’s a worrying situation.”

On Saturday, one witness said it appeared that travellers had cut through the football stadium car park to access their first site.

He said: “The barriers were down and it looks as though they have removed the height restriction barrier and have cut through the AFCB car park to access the lorry park.”

Kings Park was the scene of one of the area’s biggest illegal traveller camps over the Christmas of 2004.