AN UNAUTHORISED encampment has been set up at a recreation ground car park in Poole.

A group of travellers have reportedly moved on to the car parking area at Branksome Recreation Ground.

The council is aware of the situation and is said to be visiting the site regularly.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: "BCP Council is aware of the Unauthorised Encampment in the car park at Branksome Recreation Ground, Poole consisting of three living units and associated vehicles.

"The required assessments are being carried out and the site will be visited regularly."

The encampment comes as travellers are also at King's Park in Bournemouth.

 

As reported, organisers of the Bournemouth Parkrun cancelled Saturday morning's event.

The Parkrun event director said: "It is with huge regret that we have to cancel tomorrow’s event as we cannot guarantee the safety of our participants and volunteers.

"After a discussion with BCP parks team, and our Core team, we have come to the joint conclusion that even if the travellers move on, there will not be time to ensure the grounds are clean, safe and secure from vehicles or rubbish.

"In addition to this, if they are still there then I am not prepared to risk the safety of our participants and volunteers, and it is with regret that I have had to cancel an event so soon after taking over the role of Event Director. Parkrun has only just come back after an absence of 77 weeks.

"The first two weeks have been fantastic and we look forward to next week when hopefully we will be back."

The travellers were positioned in and around the start area, as well as the new finish area.