Police have been called to a well-used park in Oxford after it was descended on by caravans and Travellers.

Residents became aware of a large encampment at the city’s South Park on Tuesday evening as caravans could be spotted from afar.

Thames Valley Police was called to the site and the force has been working closely with Oxford City Council to resolve the matter.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We have received a number of calls from the public relating to an unauthorised encampment in South Park.

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Police have been called (file photo).Police have been called (file photo). (Image: Jonathon Taylor 9461)

“We are currently working with the owners of the land and those currently residing there to reach a satisfactory conclusion for all parties.”

Oxford City Council has issued an evacuation notice which requires the travellers to leave by 10am tomorrow morning (Thursday, August 15).

A spokesperson for the council said: “City council officers and Thames Valley Police will be on site this morning to issue an eviction notice under city council's park byelaws.

“This requires that the group vacate South Park by 10am tomorrow morning. 

 “They will attend the site again in the morning to enforce the eviction, if needed.

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 “The council will then secure the site to try to prevent further unauthorised access and ensure any debris is cleared up.”

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council and ward member for Churchill ward, has denounced the incident as “unacceptable”.

"The behaviour we've seen at South Park is completely unacceptable,” she said.

“The park is a much-loved, publicly owned green space for our local community.

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An eviction notice has been issued.An eviction notice has been issued.

“This selfish and antisocial behaviour means that other people are not able to use large parts of their local park.

“I would like to thank city council officers and Thames Valley Police for their swift action."

It comes after damage done to South Park as a result of the 2023 fireworks display was described as "unacceptable and cannot be repeated" by Alex Hollingsworth, city council cabinet member for business, culture and inclusive economy. 

This prompted people to say the 2024 event could be cancelled as a result of last year's damage. This has not been confirmed.

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