Travellers spark anger among residents by parking their caravans on one of Britain’s best-loved seafronts

• Group has set up home on Paignton Green, Devon, sparking anger among locals
• Said open space was littered with rubbish and dogs had been seen loose on road
• Some have attacked the way the travellers have been described on social media 

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Travellers have sparked anger among residents of one of Britain’s best-loved seafronts by parking their caravans there.

The group has set up home on Paignton Green, Devon, which photos show has now become strewn with rubbish. Locals also said today that several dogs were seen loose on a nearby main road.

David Cain, who has a holiday business on nearby Preston Sands, said: ‘We have a holiday let close to the travellers’ encampment. It’s really not fair that tourists book holidays here and are expected to share the space with them.’

The group has set up home on Paignton Green, Devon, which photos taken today show has become strewn with rubbish

Illegal encampments have long been a problem on Paignton Green, and last year Torbay Council installed a ‘ring of steel’ barrier to protect it. Residents are now angry the action has not had the desired effect.

David Cobbald said: ‘The council must be asked why they have failed to come up with a plan in the last five months.’

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But other people have stuck up for the travellers’ way of life and are angered at the way they are being talked about on social media.

Dudley Swain said: ‘They need to park somewhere and Devon hasn’t made any temporary places, as they should by law.’

Illegal encampments have long been a problem on Paignton Green, and last year Torbay Council installed a ‘ring of steel’ barrier to protect it. Pictured: The site today 

The council today conducted a visit to the site, which usually involves asking the travellers why they are there and how long they intend to stay

Torbay Council said: ‘We must work within the law in order to remove any illegal encampment. The legal requirements are such that removing an encampment involves a number of steps, which can take a certain period of time.

‘We visited Paignton Green as soon as we were alerted to the encampment and assessed the needs of the travellers. Following this, we advised partner agencies of the encampment and requested the attendance of health visitors to make an assessment.

‘Once the relevant welfare checks have been undertaken, we will be able to make a decision on whether eviction is appropriate based on the travellers’ statutory needs. Following this decision, we can begin the process to regain possession of the land in the County Court. Once a possession order is granted the travellers will be told to leave.’ 

One businessman complained he had a holiday let close to the site. Others defended the travellers against what they described as abusive comments on social media 

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