VILLAGERS say they are being kept awake at night and people are using dugouts as toilets after a group of caravans parked on a playing field.
Residents in Haughley, Suffolk are complaining about “loud generators”, “shouting and screaming” and people “voiding their bowels directly into the grounds” at the local park.
Haughley Parish Council posted a statement yesterday saying they were aware of a “large number of caravans owned by the travelling community” parking on the Haughley Playing field this week.
They added: “The relevant authorities (Local Council, Police and Environment Agency) have been informed and we are hopeful of a swift and amicable resolution.
“We would ask residents to avoid the area if possible to allow the authorities to work with the travelling community for a positive outcome for everyone and to ensure there is no conflict.
“The Suffolk Unauthorised Encampments Protocol – to which Babergh and Mid Suffolk are signatories will ensure everyone is treated with respect.”
Locals have been voicing their concerns on the social media website, making a series of complaints about the caravan owners’ alleged behaviour.
One resident, Julie Zarkos, said: “It’s disgusting up there, they are using dugouts as toilets.
“Do not let your children go there to play.”
Another local, Millie Catherine Gilbert, said: “That’s what was keeping us up until 1am.”
A third commenter, Samantha Brand, replied to Ms Gilbert, writing: “Them generators are loud.”
In a community group for people living in the Haughley area, another local, Jessica Shannon Edwards, wrote: “Load of caravans just pulled up onto the football field.
“Am I missing something or are there visitors?”
She added: “Can already hear them shouting and screaming from Bloor estate.”
Haughley Parish Counciller Sarah Mararet replied: “The police have been informed. If you have concerns please do let them know too.”
In another community chat, one concerned Facebook user, Cedric Dench, asked: “Are the reports of people voiding their bowels directly into the grounds substantiated?
“Has the Council prepared its detailed plan in the wake of these temporary residents?”
Richard Houghton wrote: “Incredible how much mess they made in less than 24 hours. Disgusting.”
One woman claimed a group of children were verbally abusive and racist towards her daughter and tried to kick their dog.
The Haughley Parish Council Facebook page replied, urging the woman to report the incident to the police.
An unauthorised encampment is where any person camps on land they do not own, according to the Norfolk Gov.uk website.
The owner of the land, whether a public body or private individual is responsible for taking action to remove the encampment.
According to the Government, the Norfolk and Suffolk Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Service can work on behalf of public and private landowners to:
