AN encampment of gypsies or travellers was this morning, Tuesday, March 23, set up in the overflow car park at the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton.

The site now contains a small number of caravans, vans and cars as well as a horse box, and a pony and dogs have been seen at the site.

The Leisure Centre is currently closed due to the pandemic but has been used as the Crediton Covid-19 Vaccination Centre for many weeks, the Vaccination Centre operating a few days-a-week.

Mid Devon District Council, which runs the Leisure Centre and owns the car park, told the “Courier”: “The Council, and other agencies including the local police, are aware of an unauthorised encampment on Council owned land in Crediton.

“As the landowner, the Council is currently assessing the situation in line with its existing policy for managing and enforcing encampments.

“This assessment includes the consideration of welfare responsibilities for those on site, as well as potential enforcement action.

“The Council will consider other options, should this become necessary, and will work closely with all communities to ensure the site is managed appropriately while the travellers occupy the area.

“Visit the Council’s Gypsies and Travellers webpage for more information at: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/gypsies-and-travellers/ .”

When the Vaccination Centre operates, the overflow car park has been busy as it fills with cars waiting to collect those who have had their vaccine.