NEW security at vulnerable parks in Wychavon will deter illegal encampments, the district council said.

A range of security options including bollards, rails, locks and overhead barriers are being looked into to protect the look and feel of the spaces paramount to the designs.

£250,000 has been set aside by councillors to help fund these improvements.

A spokesperson for the district council said: "Wychavon has decided to act because of the increase in unauthorised encampments each year."

So far in 2024, the council has been faced with six encampments that have needed clearing.

The spokesperson continued: "As well as causing disruption and alarm to local communities, the cost of securing court orders and bailiffs to deal with unauthorised encampments is expensive.

"Clearing up after an unauthorised encampment is also costly and the nature of the waste left behind, which often includes human excrement, is challenging to deal with.

"Where necessary, consultation will take place with local residents on the proposed security measures, with phased work over the next two years with sites considered most vulnerable prioritised."

Several locations across the district had been recognised by the council as vulnerable, including St Richard's open space, in Evesham and Steynors open space, in Droitwich.

In July 2023, five caravans and other vehicles set up a camp on Steynors open space.

The council obtained an eviction notice through the courts to force the encampment to move on.

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Security measures have already been installed at Abbey Park, which was once a hotspot for encampments.

Cllr Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s executive board member for Boosting Natural Capital, said: “We don’t take this action lightly, but unauthorised encampments are significantly impacting our residents and finances, so it’s right we take this action.

“The security measures we took to protect Abbey Park in Pershore have proved successful at deterring unauthorised encampments on that site.

"I’m confident similar action at our other vulnerable parks and open spaces will be equally effective.”