TRAVELLERS have been occupying a public space in Laverstock for almost a week.

A caravan and other vehicles arrived at Whitebridge last Sunday (August 22).

Laverstock and Ford Parish Council says it is aware of the travellers' presence, and says it has notified the police, who have visited several times and spoken to them.

According to the parish council, police were told that the travellers would be staying "a few nights only".

Salisbury Journal: Travellers at Whitebridge, Laverstock

In a statement, the council also said that police have indicated that "they will inspect the site regularly until the travellers depart but that they currently have no powers to enforce their removal".

The council has also requested the assistance of Wiltshire Council's Enforcement Officer to issue a Notice of Trespass, which was done yesterday (August 26).

The statement from the parish council added: "If the travellers remain it is the Parish Council, as the legal owners of the land, which has the final responsibility to have them removed.

"The Council may have to employ a Bailiff to start the legal process. This will be expensive and may take days or even weeks."

If any clearing up is required after the occupation, the council will also attend to this.

The statement added: "Several residents have requested that a permanent barrier is installed to prevent future trespass.

"This will be investigated but it will be expensive and must cater for access by third parties such as Wessex Water and maintenance contractors."

Wiltshire Police has been contacted for comment.

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