NEIGHBOURS are 'fearful' of illegal encampments in a city park and want a tent previously used by a family removed as a matter of urgency.

We have previously reported how a family were living in a tent in Pitmaston Park in St John's but have now been found temporary accommodation with support from the city's homelessness charities.

Worcester News: CONCERN: The tent in Pitmaston Park in Worcester has brought back bad memories for some residents after much larger encampments in the past says Cllr Alan Amos CONCERN: The tent in Pitmaston Park in Worcester has brought back bad memories for some residents after much larger encampments in the past says Cllr Alan Amos (Image: Newsquest)

Travellers have previously set up caravans on the site with residents complaining of anti-social behaviour with dirty nappies thrown into a garden in 2015. Toilet paper and faeces were also left in the park. Caravans also arrived in September 2016.

Cllr Alan Amos has contacted Worcestershire County Council asking the tent to be removed as a matter of urgency to avoid setting a precedent for others to camp there.

Cllr Amos, a Conservative county and city councillor for Bedwardine, said: "I am most concerned that so many visits have been undertaken but the squatters are not there.

"How many more visits and for how long will they continue to be undertaken? Or must I assume that illegal behaviour can be engaged in with impunity so that people can see how crime does pay these days?

"I have received numerous contacts from residents rightly and understandably fearful for their security and safety, and that of their property.

"Trespassing and/or squatting in Pitmaston Park is a highly sensitive issue given the context of the two traveller incursions that occurred in the space of one year in the park quite recently, with very costly and unpleasant consequences for taxpayers."

He fears other people may also resort to living in tents on the park.

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A spokesperson for Worcestershire Children First said: “The family’s situation has very recently been shared with children’s services and we have been supporting the family with accommodation since, therefore there is no reason for them to be living in the park. Children’s services continue to work with partner agencies to support the family and address their situation at this time.”

Maggs Day Centre, a Worcester-based charity supporting people who are homeless and vulnerable, said it was "aware" of the matter and was working with the family to reach a solution.

A spokesperson for Maggs Day Centre said in a previous statement: “The individuals are known to Maggs and are working closely with us and other relevant agencies at present to reach the best, suitable solution for them.”