Large group of travellers set up camp on Imperial sports ground in south Bristol

A large encampment of travellers has set up camp on the Imperial football and rugby pitches in south Bristol this evening.

Around 20 caravans and cars have already parked on the far side of the fields and police are blocking the gates as other vehicles on Sturminster Road in Stockwood have tried to gain access to the site, which is regularly used for football and rugby games and training.

Stockwood residents have taken to social media to express their concern about the travellers, with reports of loud music and generators at the site.

One local said: “A load of them just left Asda fields and I wondered where they were going! Absolute joke!”

Another said: “There’s more arriving now, just driving through the gates where the police are...now they’re all coming in. I spoke to the police and they said it’s due to lack of officers.”

One resident added: “The field is full of caravans, they’re not being stopped - dogs barking and kids running riot. Great!”

In June, travellers set up camp on Hengrove Park, where their presence resulted in the cancellation of the regular Whitchurch Car Boot Sale.

This is a breaking story and Bristol World has contacted Avon & Somerset police for a statement.

Stockwood councillor Graham Morris said: “We are aware travellers have accessed the Manor Farm side of the Imperial Ground. Police and management are on site and the trustees are aware.”