The actions of Travellers who performed donuts and took over a major city green space have been labelled as "selfish" by an outraged community. 

A large encampment of caravans arrived at South Park at around 8pm on Tuesday evening and were issued with an evacuation notice by Oxford City Council to leave by 10am on Thursday.

The Travellers have been criticised for their "senseless behaviour" by David Henwood of the Independent Oxford Alliance due to the cost of the clean-up operation. 

Multiple police cars and a police van arrived at the scene just off St Clement's Street on Wednesday afternoon to keep watch on the group in the park. 

Householders were left aghast as Travellers allegedly drove trucks and work vans around the site and performed donuts.

One onlooker said: “It was pretty scary having those guys driving their trucks around the park almost hitting people.

READ MORE: Police called as travellers and caravans descend on Oxford park

The caravans arrived in Oxford on Tuesday night.The caravans arrived in Oxford on Tuesday night. (Image: Public submission)

“I’m surprised they didn’t crash into any of the trees. They were tearing around and doing donuts and people were screaming.

“They didn’t seem to care who else was there but some of them came over though and, to be fair, were perfectly friendly and seemed nice.

“They said they’d driven up from London and were pretty chatty.”

Another added: “Travellers have moved into South Park.

“They arrived at 8pm last night (Tuesday) and there are over 20 caravans out there now.”

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Thames Valley Police and Oxford City Council have been working together to deal with the issue.Thames Valley Police and Oxford City Council have been working together to deal with the issue. (Image: Newsquest)

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.

“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).

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Councillor 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.

“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"

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A horde of caravans could be seen.A horde of caravans could be seen. (Image: Public submission)

Other city councillors have been left incensed by the behaviour and also labelled the recent acts as "selfish".

David Henwood of the Independent Oxford Alliance said: “South Park is a public park, it is really unfortunate that a group of travellers are behaving selfishly when designated sites are available.

“The clean-up operation and the drain on public resources including police time is a cost the public shouldn’t bear.

“This is senseless behaviour that encroaches on the enjoyment of others. I can so I will, rather than respecting the values and opinions of others.”

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The scene at South Park on Wednesday afternoon.The scene at South Park on Wednesday afternoon. (Image: Newsquest)

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