Travellers move onto popular park in Northampton next to children's play area – forcing the site’s café and library to close for the day

Around five caravans and vans were parked next to the children's play area at Wootton Fields on Wednesday (July 8).

A spokesman for West Northamptonshire Council said: “We are aware of the encampment. Colleagues from the Northamptonshire Traveller Unit are assessing the situation in line with established processes. At this stage, it would not be appropriate for the Council to comment further.”

Wootton Parish Council also issued an update to residents.

It said: "We wanted to make you aware of the current situation at Wootton Community Centre and ask if you could please share this information with parents and carers.

"An unauthorised traveller encampment has been established on the recreation ground at Wootton Community Centre. We are working closely with Northamptonshire Police and the Northamptonshire Traveller Unit to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

"As a precaution, Wootton Coffee Shop and Wootton Library are closed today (Wednesday).

"We would be grateful if you could make parents aware of the current situation, particularly those who may use the recreation ground or community centre before or after school.

"Thank you for your support. We will provide further updates as the situation develops."

The Chronicle & Echo visited Wootton Fields at around 4.30pm on Wednesday and saw around five caravans and vans parked on the recreation ground next to the children's play area.