COTSWOLD District Council is seeking legal action after a group of travellers moved into a Cirencester car park.

At least a dozen caravans are at the far end of the Beeches Car Park, a place where they have parked up several times before.

Travellers moved onto Ministry of Defence land opposite 29 Regiment on Cirencester Road on Friday night.

The MOD was last night speaking to its lawyers about evicting the travellers, but a spokesman today confirmed that they had not yet evicted the group.

Travellers parking in The Beeches Car Park have received a cold reception from residents in the past.

A spokesman for CDC said: “Their action is illegal and the council is taking enforcement action to ensure that they vacate the site as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, season ticket holders for the Beeches Car Park can also use the nearby Waterloo Car Park if they wish.

“We will issue an update as soon as we have resolved this issue.”

CDC Lib Dem leader Joe Harris said: “The situation is getting ridiculous now and I'm frustrated that there seems to be no urgency from CDC to get travellers sites in the Cotswolds set up.

"There also needs to be steps taken to secure the Beeches Car Park so this can't keep happening. It's not fair on my residents that live nearby and it removes vital car parking spaces in the town."

A police spokesman told the Standard that the travellers on the MOD land were being dealt with by military officials.

A handful of caravans arrived on Friday night and parked up among the goal posts, but more arrived over the weekend.

The MOD is seeking legal action against the travellers.

A military van is now stationed at the edge of the field but is letting the travellers come and go.

An employee of a nearby business told the Standard: “It started with about five or six, give or take, in the corner but more and more arrived over the weekend.”

He added there had been no trouble.

A sign at the entrance to the field reads: "Ministry of Defence. This is a prohibited place within the meaning of the Official Secrets Act. Unauthorised persons entering the area may be arrested and prosecuted.”

An MOD spokesperson said: "We are aware of an issue involving travellers on land at Duke of Gloucester Barracks. The MOD is currently seeking legal advice to resolve the issue."