Travellers have set up camp in fields on the outskirts of Shrewsbury after causing fury among residents near a school where they had previously stayed.

Caravans and vehicles have gathered on land at the junction of the A49 and B5062, on the east of the town.

They have moved to the site from after previously staying at a field at Meole Brace School and Science College, in Longden Road, and a private site in Yeomanry Road on Battlefield Enterprise Park.

Nigel Ford, head of estates at Shropshire County Council, said the gypsy liaison officer would be talking with the travellers in a bid to move them on.

He said: “It is that time of year when they start to move around. They usually move on after speaking to our gypsy liaison officer, but we can get a court order if they refuse.

“It normally doesn’t come to that though because our gypsy liaison officer often knows them and can deal with them.”

Borough councillor Kath Owen, who represents Meole Brace, expressed her anger at the travellers and said it was disgraceful that taxpayers’ money would be used to clear up the mess they leave.

She said many residents had contacted her to complain about the travellers while they had set up camp at the secondary school.

Maria Hawkaluk, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said they were aware of the travellers and would be keeping an eye on the situation.

But she said police only normally got involved with such cases as a last resort following work by the county council.