An application has been submitted to build bunds and gates on Totteridge Common to prevent travellers from setting up camp on the site.

A group of travellers returned to the site - which runs along Amersham Road and Totteridge Lane – earlier this month after wreaking havoc this time last year – leaving a trail of rubbish and human faeces behind them.

Wycombe District Council has applied to build bunds and an entrance gate at the open space after prevention measures on the common further down Totteridge Lane proved successful.

Wycombe District Councillor for Terriers and Amersham Hill, Tony Green, said: “There’s a site further down the common on Totteridge Lane where they put a bun five or six years ago.

“That used to have traveller incursions every year so they put a bun on that and it was successful – they have not had travellers there since.

“For the last couple of years they have gone on that bit down the common on Amersham Road. It works very well, it fits in with the land and looks natural.”

Last year Wycombe District Council was forced to clear up piles of mess and faeces left behind by a group of travellers who moved their caravans into the site for days.

If given permission it is hoped the bund and gate will be in place ready for next summer.

Cllr Green continued: “We have to get planning permission for it, which delays it, but we hope they will be installed towards the end of this year, ready for next year.

“This seems to be an annual thing. They will go wherever they can find space. If they are not camped in district land then the council doesn’t have to pay to clear it up.”