TRAVELLERS have set up camp at a car park in Christchurch.

A group of caravans are occupying Mayor’s Mead car park, located off Wick Lane, after arriving on Friday.

Ward councillor Peter Hall said he was made aware of the encampment by residents and has been to the car park himself to inspect the situation.

“It has been reported to the council officers and hopefully they will be able to deal with it quickly,” he said.

“The residents are not happy with this and nor am I.”

He said the car park is often used by coaches, meaning it does not have entrance barriers like others in the area.

“We need to look at what we can do to improve security,” Cllr Hall added.

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Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are legally recognised as ethnic groups, and protected by the Race Relations Act.

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