Travellers asked to leave Desborough Recreation Ground in High Wycombe - as residents complain about mess

Dozens of caravans arrived at the open space from Hughenden Park at around 8pm on July 26 and residents have complained that the area has been littered. 

Wycombe District Council (WDC) told the Bucks Free Press that a landowner's notice to leave the park was issued to the group yesterday (Monday).

A resident - who sent in these pictures - said the park is "covered" in litter, "including dirty clothes, broken glass, nappies and rubbish bags". 

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They said: "Moreover there is a strong smell of faeces, from both the dogs left roaming free and the people occupying the caravans - there were tissues by some bushes.

"My son started crying this morning when he saw the state of his favourite park.

"Of course, being chased by dogs while riding his scooter did not help. He refuses to go to the park now to play, because he can’t face all the mess.

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"This is not how I thought his summer holiday will be."

Another resident suggested that height restriction barriers should be put in place - but WDC said: "Locked gates and restriction barriers are already in place in our biggest parks and open spaces.

"In each recent instance padlocks have been cut by angle grinders."

A spokesman for WDC urged residents to report any anti-social behaviour witnessed to police by calling 101. 

They added: "Along with the police and the county council’s gypsy and traveller team we are actively following the legal process to remove unauthorised occupiers from the site."

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Travellers were allegedly in the area for both a funeral in the High Wycombe area and a funeral in Princes Risborough. 

They first arrived at Kingsmead Recreation Ground in Loudwater on July 6. 

They then moved onto The Rye - prompting fears that Race for Life would not be able to go ahead on July 21 - but they moved to Hughenden Park on July 19, giving the authorities a chance to clear the site before the popular event. 

Some caravans then moved onto the car park near Jollyes pet store in Bellfield Road, but the majority moved off Hughenden Park to Desborough Rec.