A group of travellers have moved on from a field in Swindon eleven days after setting up camp, leaving behind heaps of tree cuttings, dozens of dirty nappies and a chicken.
Eight caravans moved on to the site in Wootton Bassett Road – opposite The Runner pub – on 2 August, bring with them ponies, domestic geese, chickens and dogs.
Before moving off this morning, 12 caravans were counted at the incursion – alongside vans and cars. Many of the vehicles were branded to promote tree and garden services.
Mounts of tree cuttings and chippings were left fly-tipped on the site, alongside 20 bags of rubbish, at least 45 dirty nappies, dozens of used wet wipes and both human and horse faeces.
A lone black chicken was seen running around in the field at midday. The Swindon and District Animal Haven informed, with animal rescue volunteers being tasked to attempt to catch it.
The council will foot the bill for the clean-up operation, which is expected to begin imminently.
A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that the site has been vacated, though we are disappointed to see that it has been left in a poor condition.
”This has been designated a ‘priority clear up’, which will begin as soon as possible.”
