A community has blamed travellers for 'taking over' a park in Beeston after caravans pitched on a beauty spot. When Nottinghamshire Live visited the Dovecote Lane Recreation Ground, some Irish travellers were sat outside making most of the weather.
Around 16 caravans and other vehicles were parked in the park, and it is believed they arrived on the site on Thursday evening (July 14). Some women left their caravans to find some shade under the trees in the park.
One of them said "it is hard to cope" with the heat inside the caravan, and called for cooling fans to be brought to them. Neighbours in the area, however, said they felt "intimidated" by the group.
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David Baker, who lives in the area, was walking his dog Alfie and said: "It is not great for the area. Children from the neighbourhood are sometimes in the park, and then the traveller children go and and just poach it."
The 68-year-old added he'd not ventured to the park since Thursday. "I thought it was a fun fair at first. And then I realised that they were travellers."
Susan Davies, 62, lives just across the road. She was walking her dog in the park and said: "I called police twice about it. Even standing here is worrying, because they might watch me and see where I live."
Brenda Joynas, 81, was concerned over left over rubbish. "They just took over the park and no one else can use it. It is that bad," she said.
A spokesperson from the borough council said: "The council is aware of an unauthorised encampment on Dovecote Lane Recreation Ground, Beeston. The legal process is underway to reclaim the site. If residents witness any criminal activity, they are asked to report this to the Police on 101 or if it is an emergency 999."
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