RESIDENTS living near Pitmaston Park in St Johns say they have been plagued with anti-social behaviour since a group of travellers moved in to the site over the weekend.

Initial reports indicate that four caravans moved onto the site on Friday, with others joining them as the weekend progressed until yesterday there were between 10 and 12 on the park off Malvern Road.

A resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Ever since they came there's been trouble.

"One person said dirty nappies had been thrown into their garden, and last night they were driving their vehicles round and round the park and blaring their horns. They were still at it when I went to bed at midnight. I head that someone was threatened for walking their dog in the park.

"People who live around here are really worried. I'm all for live and let live, and if they wanted to stay a few days and they kept to themselves and left the park as they found it, I wouldn't have a problem.

"But when they behave like that, then the local people get upset. My daughter suffers from anxiety, and last night she was texting me again and again, asking when I'd be home.

"The park is for everybody, for kids to play and people to walk their dogs. Last week there were children flying kites there."

The travellers are also reported to have stolen fuel from a nearby petrol station. An employee of the BT Connect station, who again preferred not to be named, said: "They were filling up their cars and then driving away without paying. They were also threatening other customers and us, and we had to lock the doors until they went away."

The park is managed by Worcestershire County Council. No-one from the council had yesterday responded to a request for a comment from the Worcester News.

A police spokesman said they were aware of the travellers and keeping a close eye on the situation.

In June a group of travellers set up camp at the Worcester Warriors stadium in Sixways, after having been moved on from a field at the Ketch. Travellers were also encamped at Perdiswell Sports Centre and a field off Pitchcroft.