A series of illegal encampments and backlash from enraged residents have sparked council action at a public park.

A number of travellers have pitched up at Ramsgate's Jackey Bakers fields in quick succession, with four lots of caravans moving onto the site in less than three months.

The park will now have bollards, fencing and CCTV put in place by Thanet District Council in a bid to combat the unauthorised access - with work due to start next month.

Those living in the area have seen endless amounts of waste left on the fields, among other issues such as graffiti.

"We would like to see the area made safe - it's not the travellers' area, it's the locals'," said Ricky Cowell, of Newington Road.

"The park needs money to make it safe, to stop things going on which should not be.

"None of us have anything against travellers - it is just the mess they leave behind every time they have been there.
"So when TDC puts the new security measures in it will help the place so much more."

An email from TDC chief executive Madeline Homer to locals explained the situation and the council's plans.

"Kent as a whole has seen an increase in the number of traveller incursions over the last 12 months and this has been reflected in the numbers we have seen in Thanet," she said.

"It is important to remember that gypsies and travellers are protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 which means they cannot and should not be persecuted just because of their lifestyle, culture or origin.

"However, that does not mean they can break the law and as such TDC has taken action against a number of incursions, including where appropriate moving them from council land.

"I appreciate there has been some frustration expressed by the public but the council has to follow the proper process in dealing with incursions and this can take time; it does not mean the council is not being effective or not taking the matter seriously.

"We have agreed solutions to make unauthorised access to the land at Jackie Bakers more difficult, which include a new two-metre fence along the boundary with Sainsbury's, bollards to restrict vehicular access to the public right away, new gates to the entrance of Jackey Bakers and CCTV cameras at the entrance and on the boundary with Sainsbury's.
"We expect work to commence the first week of August."

Mr Cowell says there are hopes to regenerate the park in the future.

"The way it is going we will need open spaces we can all use," he added.

"We hope to get a working group together so we can help the park, just like Friends of Ellington Park have done, and get grants funding to bring the astroturf back into use etc, and maybe a cafe and new changing rooms.

"But it is all a time thing - we're just pleased things are at last moving in the right way for the park.
"Next year should be better with no money wasted on getting people off the land who should not be there."

What do you think? Email thanetextra@thekmgroup.co.uk