TRAVELLERS have rejected claims they forced their way onto land in Worcester and caused mess. 

The group, believed to comprise of at least five caravans, arrived at the site, near Rowntree Gardens on Saturday. 

A resident claimed people had seen the travellers defecating in the nearby woods and that the group had removed a barrier to gain access to the land, owned by Worcester City Council. 

But one of the travellers, who wished to remain anonymous, rejected the residents' claims.

She said the group had made their way onto the land via an open pathway. 

"Do you see any mess?" she said. 

"We use our own toilets."

The resident, who asked not to be named, said: "People have seen them in the woods defecting and there's toilet paper singed all over the place. 

"I can't see any damage. My main concerns are for the site after they have left. 

"For example the clean-up required and for the safety of pedestrians and dogs on the footpath given that vehicles are driving in and out of the site."

He added that a new fence, which was recently installed where the hedge used to be, has been used by the travellers to hang out their washing.

Another anonymous resident said the travellers had cut through posts in on the footpaths.

They said: "They have been seen driving vehicles along footpaths and fields with no regard for pedestrians."

Resident Aimee Ford, aged 35, said: "They've got to go somewhere.

"They have said 'hello'. I don't have an issue with them as long as they don't leave mess.  

"You could have a family of trouble makers living next door."

She added the she wished the council would provide designated open spaces for travellers to use while in the area. 

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: "We have issued a notice and completed a welfare check and the travellers have told us they are leaving tomorrow (Friday, July 21). 

"If that doesn't happen we will be taking them to court to issue an eviction notice but we are going to wait to see what happens tomorrow."

More to follow.