Residents clean up after encampments in Canford Heath

As reported, two sets of travellers set up camp within 24 hours of each other on the same plot of green land between Stinsford Road and Ryall Road in Canford Heath on Wednesday, July 13 and yesterday (Thursday).

After a Section 61 notice was issued, the second group left the site and moved elsewhere in Canford Heath. According to residents and ward councillor Sean Gabriel, the green area was subsequently left in a “poor state” with litter strewn over the green as well as some faeces.

However, before BCP Council’s environmental team were able to arrive at the site nearby residents took it upon themselves to clean the area.

Cllr Gabriel said: “Our wonderful Canford Heath spirit kicked in not long after the group moved on. I was working but thought I’d get down with my trusty litter picker but when I got there our residents had pretty much done it, they did an amazing job.

Unauthorised encampment between Stinsford Road and Ryall Road

“It was near enough spotless. There was quite a lot there and I thought it would not be a nice clean up job, but they just got on with it.

“Residents take a lot of pride in that area. Canford Heath has a lot of green spaces tucked away but that one is particularly well maintained and used – I think because it’s a nice size, open and accessible. Kids used it for football, kite flying and families use it for picnics. It’s just a really nice area.”

A team from BCP Council arrived shortly afterwards to finish the clean up and ensure the area was safe.

• Read more: No traveller sites planned for BCP this summer as campaigner demands change

It is believed the travellers then joined another group located in the nearby Sopers Lane.

Residents on social media were also grateful to their neighbours and Cllr Gabriel for their efforts, however said they shouldn’t be the ones to clean up after encampments.

One woman said: “Thank you Canford Heath residents, but why should we have to clean up after them?”

When asked which residents cleared the green, one person said: “Local residents in their 70s and 80s who care about the area. Hopefully the council will put some Portland stones down to stop this happening again.”