TRAVELLERS that have arrived at Poundbury in Dorchester have been asked to leave by the Duchy of Cornwall.

The group arrived last night and is currently parked at the Great Field, which belongs to the Duchy.

Residents say a group of around ten caravans is at the site, along with horses.

A spokesman for the Duchy of Cornwall said: "The Duchy of Cornwall has spoken to a number of the individuals that arrived on the Great Field at Poundbury yesterday.

"The Duchy has informed them that the land is private and that they are required to vacate the land."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a number of reports on the evening of Monday July 6 in relation to a group of travellers at the Great Field in Poundbury.

"Officers have attended and have been liaising with the landowners, the local authority and the group. We continue to provide an increased police presence in the area for community reassurance."

A spokesman for Dorset Council - which has a Gypsy and traveller Liaison team - said: "The encampment at Great Field at Poundbury is on Duchy of Cornwall land, the Duchy Estate is aware and are managing the situation. We do not know where they were living previously."

Information about the work of the council with the Gypsy and traveller community, landowners and other agencies can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-community/gypsies-and-travellers/gypsies-and-travellers.aspx

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