TRAVELLERS who set up an "unauthorised" encampment in a town centre car park have been told to leave.

The individuals arrived in Amesbury's central car park on Wednesday, May 15.

A Wiltshire Council enforcement officer and police officers arrived within hours to carry out a welfare check.

Following this, notices to leave the land were issued to the Travellers.

Concerns were raised by members of a local community Facebook page as the news circled on social media.

Salisbury Journal: Travellers arrived in Amesbury's central car park on Wednesday, May 15.Travellers arrived in Amesbury's central car park on Wednesday, May 15. (Image: Mark Clemas)

One resident said: "In the middle of the day, in a PUBLIC car park?

"I hope they’ve paid the appropriate fees and parked in the designated bays - like (most of) the rest of us do when we want to live peacefully and respectfully among others observing both rights and responsibilities."

Read more: ​Travellers settle at London Road Park and Ride

On the other side of the fence, another user said: "Mad thing is we embrace other cultures and religions and stuff yet as soon as a few caravans turn up all hell breaks loose yet travelling people have been around since day one.

"People are so quick to judge."

Councillor Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, said: “Council officers have visited the unauthorised encampment in Amesbury central car park with the police and spoken with the occupiers.

"The relevant welfare checks have been conducted and initial notices to leave the land have been issued.”