Travellers return to Bristol beauty spot just days after last eviction

A group of Travellers have set up on the Downs in Bristol - just days after a previous encampment was evicted.     

Five caravans have parked near the junction of Stoke Road and Saville Road, and it is understood they arrived yesterday (June 11). 

It comes after a previous encampment was evicted from the Downs last Wednesday (June 6), before being evicted from Horfield Common the next day and again from Eastville Park the day after that.   

Bristol City Council said this larger group showed repeated antisocial behaviour and received a high number of complaints.         

It is unclear if the current group on the Downs is connected to the previous encampment in the city.      

Don’t miss out - get the BristolWorld newsletter three times a week

Last week, the council used the powers granted to them through a previous possession hearing to fast track the eviction process of the group of the Downs.   

At Horfield Common on Thursday (June 7), police then took the unusual step of using their powers to remove the group, as they were “trespassing and causing significant disruption”. 

The Ardagh at the centre of the Common was temporarily closed due to safety concerns, before reopening at the weekend.    

Finally, the group arrived at Eastville Park on Friday (June 8) where they were again evicted by police and thought to have left the city.    

Bristol City Council have been contacted for comment.