TRAVELLERS have set up camp at the Bournemouth beauty spot Hengistbury Head.

A handful of vehicles, including two mobile homes, arrived at the turning circle at the end of Broadway, near the visitor’s centre.

Dorset Police and Bournemouth Council are both aware of the encampment which arrived at Hengistbury Head on Tuesday.

Visitors to Hengistbury Head spoke to the Echo about the encampment.

Roger Burns, from Bournemouth, said: “I was here pretty early on today and it was a lot more noticeable before all the crowds turned up. To be fair, they’re keeping the turning circle clear enough for people get actually get around.

“I wouldn’t like to see a huge group of them here, but what can the council do about it? Close the headland off?”

Another visitor - who asked not to be named - said: “They’re not causing too many issues. I just thought they were holidaymakers until someone else pointed them out.”

Bournemouth Council officials confirmed an assessment of the camp has been carried out and that it will continue to be visited and monitored daily by the council.

Meanwhile, travellers have also moved onto the recreation ground at Turlin Moor.

Upton resident Marc Ferguson, said: “This area is a recreation ground for children and a popular dog walking area. When I contacted the council in regard I was informed that they do not go in until the site is cleared.

“In the meantime unaware people seeking a stroll in the fresh air are going to be very lucky to achieve this.

“Whilst the hands of the council are tied I believe it is about time the law was changed remove unauthorised camps immediately and not after due process, and thus saving the public purse and maintaining public health.”

A Borough of Poole (BOP) spokesman confirmed five caravans and associated vehicles have moved onto the Turlin Moor site, and that toilets and a skip have been delivered.

“The site will continue to be monitored as part of the legal process for the removal of the travellers.”

There is also now another encampment of four caravans at Poole’s Dolphin Swimming Pool car park.

The BOP spokesman said: “The previous for campervans and one caravan moved on Friday evening.”

This site will also be monitored by council officials.

Earlier this month residents living close to Poole Park said they’d be happy to pay for security measures out of their own pockets to stop any unauthorised encampment in the park.

This came after a group of travellers set up camp next to the park’s War Memorial - a move branded “disrespectful” by residents.

Two unauthorised travellers encampments have also emerged at Poole’s Harbourside Park in recent weeks.

Comments have been opened on this story but please note: any reference to gypsies or any racially offensive term will cause them to be closed and you may find your account suspended. Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are legally recognised as ethnic groups, and protected by the Equalities Act 2010. Please keep your comments to this particular incident and do not generalise, or attempt to incite violence or hatred. Thanks for your co-operation.