TRAVELLERS have set-up camp at a beauty spot in Christchurch.

The group, who are staying in three tents, arrived at Stanpit Recreation Ground over the weekend.

A spokesperson for Christchurch council said they were a "small group" and legal procedures had been activated to move them on.

Work is currently taking place at Stanpit Recreation Ground to enlarge the car park.

Stanpit is a popular spot for dog walkers and families.

The group are situated at the back of the recreation ground, which is near to the protected Stanpit Marsh.

Clothes could be seen drying on a tent rope yesterday, although the camp cannot be seen from the road.

Work is continuing and is not affected by their presence, a council spokesperson confirmed.

The group are believed to be the same camp who arrived at Mudeford Cricket Ground over the Bank Holiday.

That camp consisted of three tents and a number of vehicles, with the group reportedly having an open fire.

Despite Dorset having a transit site, a spokesperson for Christchurch council said as the group were staying in tents, they could not be moved to the site at Piddlehinton.

Cllr Bernie Davis, ward councillor for Purewell and Stanpit, said he visited the site on Monday morning, along with a council officer.

He said it was not clear how the group got onto the land.

"There is a generator there and a television. I have spoken to them and they have assured me they will be moving on Tuesday.

"There are three vehicles there as well.

"We are keeping an eye on the situation. The police have been informed and have also been down.

"Everything is being done to placate everybody."

A clean-up operation took place at Mudeford cricket ground following the group's departure after Bank Holiday.

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