A disused park and ride site in Swindon has been seized by travellers. 

The Wroughton Park and Ride site on Pipers Way - last used by buses in 2007 - is completely gated and inaccessible to vehicles, but in recent days a number of people living in caravans have appeared on the land. 

Passers by have told the Advertiser that they have seen people coming and going from the site using a key to unlock a padlock that has chained one of the gates together.

Swindon Borough Council confirmed today (Wednesday) that the group does not have permission to be there.

A council spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the group at the currently empty former Wroughton Park and Ride site and our team is working hard to find a resolution.

“Unfortunately, after the group gained access, they secured the site, which has limited our access to them and the area.

“We are currently engaging the courts for a Section 78 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 order which will allow us to remove the group and their vehicles which are unlawfully on our land.

“We will take necessary action. If anyone has any concerns, please report them to Wiltshire Police.”

One member of the public said: "I assumed they were being allowed to stay in the Pipers Way bus park. I saw a car coming out there with a young lad locking the gate after him."

Another added: "I didn't know if it was an official encampment or not."

This is not the first time the site has been broken into by travellers, with the council having to take action in 2022. 

In August of that year, a group of at least nine caravans parked there after gaining entry.

It was unclear how they gained access but it was believed that one of the gates was damaged, which was confirmed by Wiltshire Police.

Wroughton Park and Ride was opened in April 2002 at a cost of £2m. It had 640 car parking spaces.

Poor demand led to the site running at half capacity before the council decided to 'temporarily' mothball it in 2007.

It was expected that the Park and Ride would reopen with the building of the Wichelstowe housing development, but it has remained shut for 17 years.

It was reopened temporarily as a test and trace centre during the Covid pandemic.