Members of the public have urged caution after a group of travellers pitched up at Swindon's Polo ground.

Caravans and vehicles started entering the old town park off Marlborough Road late on Wednesday evening and have been there ever since. 

While there appears to have been no sign of trouble since then, people have been warned that the temporary settlement has been allowing dogs to roam freely and had also been driving vehicles at speed on the ground. 

Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police have visited the group and were told they were there for a funeral and will leave on Monday, July 10. 

The council has informed them that they have made unauthorised access and that on Monday they will seek a court order to remove them if necessary. 

Ward councillor for Chiseldon and Lawn, Lawrence Elliott, has provided two updates on social media on the action taken by the local authority so far.

Early on Wednesday, he said: "As soon as I became aware of their unauthorised access I made urgent contact with council officers to sort the problem out.

"As a result, police visited the grounds [on Wednesday] and will be there again [Thursday] morning with the council. As a ward councillor I, like you, am very concerned about this issue and will continue to add my voice on your behalf.

"If anyone witnessed the actual break-in or has any other information, please contact the police and refer to incident number 182 of 5/7/23."

He provided a further update later in the day.

He said that police and council officials have visited the group and added: "They have carried out the appropriate checks and have been advised that the group are here to attend a funeral. They have said that they plan to move off the ground on Monday.

"The council will review the case on Monday and as discussed with the group take further action if required, which will be issuing a S77 notice and then pursuing a S78 with the courts."

After the group arrived, a member of the public posted a warning on social media, particularly aimed at dog walkers.

They said: "Be cautious if walking dogs up there. They have dogs loose and are driving at speed in the field."

Another member of the public told the Adver: "They were tearing the grass up with dirt bikes for hours! Apparently, police were contacted but nothing was done as it continued well into the evening."