Travellers have been moved on from Evesham Leisure Centre after reports of anti-social behaviour.

Police say they used new public order powers to help Wychavon Council remove an unauthorised encampment in the car park of the leisure centre.

Officers were supporting the council’s attempts to remove a group of individuals from the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community who arrived on September 17.

The encampment, which initially consisted of six caravans, led to what the police described as “significant disruptions for the operation of the leisure centre”, impacting both members of the public and staff.

Reports were also received by the police regarding isolated incidents of anti-social behaviour, including shouting among group members and the throwing of stones by children under 10-years-old.

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Wychavon council issued a Direction to Leave, and, simultaneously, Community Protection Notices were issued to specific individuals within the encampment, directing them not to return to the Wychavon area for the next 12 months.

When the group failed to vacate the site at the specified time, the police took further action by issuing a Direction to Leave under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

This new legislation empowers the police to create an offence for any person over the age of 18 residing on land without the authority of the occupier, possessing or intending to possess at least one vehicle on the land, and causing significant damage, disruption, or distress or being likely to cause such disruption because of their presence.

Dave Wise, safer neighbourhood inspector for Wychavon and Malvern Hills, said: “The style and tone of how we police are key – officers should be respectful to the needs of all persons involved, listen to any concerns, consider any vulnerabilities and act in a way that is fair, objective, reasonable, and inclusive.

“However, where local amenities are deprived to communities and local disruption to the economy, as well as other significant disruptions, it is right for the police to take preventative action."

Councillor Rob Adams, executive board member with responsibility for community safety at Wychavon District Council, said: "Partnership working is so important when dealing with these types of situations and this is a good example of how we have supported the police to act swiftly to prevent any further disruption or distress to leisure centre staff, users and residents in the area.”