A GROUP of travellers have moved on to a school's playing field, disrupting classes.

Three trailers and a tent have been on the playing field at Hindlip CofE First School in Hindlip, near Worcester since the weekend.

Headmaster John Tilley said he was unsure how the travellers had gained access to the site as a new gate had only just been put up at the field, and no staff had gone to investigate.

Mr Tilley said sports lessons which would sometimes be held on the field were facing disruption.

"An extra-curricular club that is usually held there has had to be moved. Some sports lessons have to be held inside too, but it's minor disruption. It's not something we can do a lot about."

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said they had spoken to representatives from the group to see how long they would be staying.

"Our aim, as always, is find a way of resolving situations like these as amicably as possible by talking with travelling groups," he said.

"However, we do consider at the same time what legal action is available to us should amicable negotiations fail to resolve any issues. Our Legal Services have been notified and in this instance we would look to progress any proceedings as quickly as possible as this group is on school grounds.

"It's not desirable to have people on a school site without the school's knowledge or consent, so should we need to take the legal route, then speed would be of the essence."

Hindlip resident Margaret Williams went for her morning walk on Monday and was nipped on the ankle by one of their dogs.

"The dogs are also fouling the field and I'm worried as they are the playing fields," she said. "I want to know who is going to clear up this mess and the mess they leave behind."

Travellers have set up on various sites around the city this year, including at the former Ronkswood Hospital in Newtown Road, Shrub Hill retail park, Perdiswell Leisure Centre and Worcester Woods Countryside Centre.

A South Worcestershire police spokesman said: "We are liasising with Worcestershire County Council - the land-owners - and will work with them as necessary to help to legally resolve the situation."