Caravans were spotted setting up camp in a Southall park notorious for repeatedly being taken over by travellers.

Residents took to Twitter to vent their frustration after seeing the encampment in Norwood Green , as travellers have been back and forth on the site for more than a year.

Police were on the scene on Wednesday (April 26) ensuring the encampment was moved away and patrols were in place at nearby Southall Park to make sure the travellers did not move there.

The council said there is an official site in the borough specifically for travellers.

Travellers previously forced the annual Norwood Green Village Day to be postponed and moved to nearby Norwood Hall Playing Field, after a large number of caravans appeared on the intended site, in July last year.

John Martin, a Norwood Green resident, said: "I left our house at 11.30am on the Sunday (April 23) morning, and the green was empty and looking glorious. I came back at about 7pm and there was a whole encampment settled in there, probably about 20 to 25 caravans.

Residents saw between 20-25 caravans arrive at Norwood Green on April 23

"This has been a nightmare, let's be honest. The travellers are giving Ealing Council the runaround, because they're just moving from one site to another.

"The whole of last summer, we couldn't use our green.

"I appreciate that the travellers have rights, but they shouldn't have the right to just occupy the green to the detriment of local residents.

"We need to find a permanent solution.

"The frustration from a residents point of view is just beyond belief."

Previously, when travellers have been asked to leave, rubbish was left at the site , but the local authority confirmed that there had been no fly-tipping this time round.

'Police demanded that the travellers leave'

A spokesman for Ealing Council spokesman said: “As soon as we were aware that there was an illegal encampment at Norwood Green we took immediate action and visited the site to commence the checks and assessments that we are legally obliged to carry out.

"Once complete, the council and police demanded that the travellers leave, which they did.

"There is minimal litter left behind on the site, which we will be clearing this afternoon.

“We have an official site in the borough specifically for travellers.

"Norwood Green is not suitable for an encampment of this nature and the council will now continue as planned with the installation of a range of measures around the green in the next couple of weeks to prevent future encampments.”

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