THE issue of travellers and where they can and cannot go is indeed a thorny one.

The problem has been around for years and is a lot more complicated than many would have us believe.

While a long-term solution still needs to be addressed, it’s good to see Bournemouth council coming up with a short-term action plan.

Bournemouth has had an unprecedented number of illegal encampments so far this year and it has cost the council tens of thousands of pounds in trying to resolve it.

So the council’s scheme of a borough-wide “lockdown” will be applauded by many residents who have been affected by illegal incursions.

Council officers are securing and manning all car parks and green spaces in the town in a bid to encourage the travellers to move on.

It will be interesting to see how long this action lasts for if the travellers stay in the area and the costs begin to rise.