Travellers set up a camp on town site

About five gipsy caravans were today parked up on a field near a church in Telford.

The encampment is believed to have have arrived on the land off Dawley Road, in Lawley, over the weekend.

Today, there were also two horse trailers and three vans, as well as two horses on the field, which is near the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

It is not the first time travellers have set up camp in the location.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said he noticed the caravans when he came home yesterday.

He said he was shocked to see the caravans, as well as the horses there.

The resident said he had also had an e-mail from the local neighbourhood watch co-ordinator.

Another resident, who also declined to be named, said gipsies had set up camp on the same site on two previous occasions.

It is understood the land is earmarked for development.

David Morgan, Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman, said today: “We will be investigating today.

“As soon as we have confirmed the ownership of the land we can offer help and advice to the owners.”

The land is owned by English Partnerships, the government’s national regeneration agency.

Catherine Haydn, English Partnerships spokeswoman, said the matter was being “dealt with”.