DORSET County Council has admitted to making mistakes in its handling of an illegal travellers' encampment in West Parley earlier this month.

Around 12 caravans moved onto the recreation ground along Parley Close on July 2 and stayed for nine days, causing £1,000 worth of damage.

There were a number of anti-social incidents including four burglaries and residents have said they were subjected to abuse and intimidation.

The county council's help was delayed because the gypsy and traveller liaison officer was on holiday.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Hilary Cox said: "Unfortunately our gypsy and traveller liaison officer was on holiday at the time of the incursion and the parish council did not get, perhaps, the assistance they needed, when they needed it."

Pat Couper, Vice Chairman of West Parley County Council said they are now pushing for a check list with advice for all councils and residents on how to deal with illegal encampments.

She said: “We would like a document with information about exactly what people should do if they see traveller caravans with contact numbers for the appropriate people.

“The park is our pride and joy and we've had volunteers worked around the clock to get it back ship shape.

“According to everyone we were lucky they only stayed for three days but there was so much litter and human waste and the total cost of all the damages and repairs will be about £1,000.”

Two formal complaints were made against the stand-in gypsy liaison officer according to the Vice Chairman.

Dorset County Council Head of Countryside and Business Development Dave Ayre said: “We're working with East Dorset District Council and Dorset Police to prepare advice and guidance for Parish and Town councils in preventing and responding to unauthorised encampments on their land.”

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