Travellers set up camp in Lawley, Telford

Travellers have set up camp on a £600 million housing development in Telford.

About 15 caravans arrived in Ironstone, Lawley, overnight on Sunday. The caravans, vans and horseboxes are opposite Lawley Medical Practice.

The group's horses are grazing on the land, while the travellers have set up next to eating areas and communal areas.

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, said: "We are aware of the travellers and are working with the landowners to try and assess the best course of action. We will assist in any way we can."

Dave Morgan, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said officers were offering help and advice to the landowner, Home and Communities Agency (HCA), and the Ironstone developers.

Mr Morgan added as it was not council-owned land they could not take any further action.

A spokeswoman for HCA confirmed they did own the land but it was being run by bosses of the Ironstone development.

Guy Scott, project director at Ironstone, said: "The legal notices have been put in and we expect them to be moved on by tomorrow afternoon.

"They have entered the site through a gateway which we ensure is locked at all times."

Mr Scott said the travellers were discovered on Monday morning.

A clean-up operation is expected to take place after they move off the site.