LEGAL moves are under way to evict travellers from a field near Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth.

Around 12 vehicles are parked on the site, the second illegal encampment there in just over a month.

They are believed to have arrived at some point over Monday night and there have been reports that a locked gate has been removed and posts designed to keep vehicles out sawn off.

At the end of July there were angry exchanges between travellers and other motorists due to traffic problems as travellers attempted to enter the site.

The latest camp is near to the nursery, which runs a Sheltered Work Opportunities Project for people with severe and enduring mental illness.

Manager Jessica Davis said she saw police officers talking to travellers at around 7.30am yesterday when she arrived to open up. “We don’t mind them being there as long as they don’t disturb us” she added.

The travellers are believed to have told officials they wish to remain at the site for the duration of the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Last year travellers illegally camped on the cliff top in Bournemouth said they planned to remain for the air festival before moving on to the steam fair.

Legal action to remove travellers from unauthorised sites takes around seven to 10 days.