TRAVELLERS have left a trail of faeces on the banks of a Worcester brook, inside a city beauty spot.

The group of French travellers, consisting of 10 caravans and associated vehicles, moved on from Laugherne Brook Local Nature Reserve on Monday night (July 30) after being served a notice by Worcester City Council to leave immediately on Sunday (July 29).

Residents living nearby the reserve, located near Laugherne Brook and Brookside Road, had previously raised concerns that the travellers were allegedly dumping toilet waste into Laugherne Brook.

Labour Councillor for St John’s Richard Udall said: “Because of reports they were emptying their toilet waste into the brook, we need to make sure it is clean. They were allegedly emptying personal hygiene items into the brook.

“So we are asking for the water quality to be tested to make sure, for wildlife, it is going to be safe.

“Members of the community have seen items of rubbish left behind but I am asking for the area to have a full cleanse.The Environment Agency have been informed.”

He added: “I think it is safe to say we are pleased they have left the site. We are now investigating measures to make sure there is no repeat performance.”

City council officers had been visiting the site daily and said there was “little waste”.

The travellers arrived mid-afternoon on Tuesday July 24, and claimed they would leave the next day.

One told the Worcester News they had only stopped off in the city for a night, as they were travelling to France from Scotland and one of the caravans had a problem that needed fixing.

But they didn't leave until the night of Monday, July 30 – six days after they said they were about to depart.

West Mercia Police officers spoke to the travellers but said they had received no calls regarding anti social behaviour.