A group of Travellers have taken over a Plymouth playing field at Knowle Battery in West Park.
Locals say the field, usually used by families and dog walkers, has been turned into a busy campsite.
Today, Plymouth Plus visited the scene and saw the scale of the unauthorised encampment.
Caravans, trailers, work vans and quad bikes can be seen in the area. A paddling pool has also been set up close to one of the caravans.
Several of the vans appear linked to a landscaping business. Logos and tools were clearly visible when our reporter visited the field.
Plymouth City Council said a Notice to Quit had been issued earlier in the week which gave the group 24 hours to vacate the land.
There are also barbecues set up around the site. Gas bottles have been placed next to some of the caravans.
The deadline has now passed and the group remains in place. The council says it will now seek a court possession order.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said:
"We are aware of two unauthorised encampments in the city, one at Staddiscombe Playing Fields and the other at Knowle Battery in West Park.
"We have issued a Notice to Quit to both groups which have both expired. We will now be applying to the court for a Notice of Possession for each site."
If granted, the council can instruct bailiffs to evict the group. Devon and Cornwall Police are also aware of the situation. They can only take direct action if reports of criminal activity or disorder are made.
Knowle Battery is a recurring site for unauthorised camps. Local families say they feel excluded from a space they use year-round.
The city’s only official Travellers site is The Ride in Plympton. It is currently full and has a waiting list for pitches.
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