Angry residents say they are fed up with a group of travellers who have set up home in the middle of their estate.

Three caravans plus cars and lorries are camped on open space at Witney's new Deer Park estate.

Residents and parish councillors say the travellers are cutting down trees, leaving litter, making a mess and letting their dogs run free on the open space which is owned by West Oxfordshire District Council.

Parish councillor Joe Robinson said: "They have been here for several days and keep moving from spot to spot. We have asked West Oxfordshire District Council to evict them but we understand nothing can be done until July 2.

"They have been cutting trees down, there is rubbish all over the place and we are worried about contamination. It is quite disgraceful and it is going to cost an arm and a leg to clean all the mess up. It seems the police can't do anything and the council has to get a court order before it can. Goodness knows what that is going to cost."

A spokesman for West Oxfordshire District Council, Melanie Proudfoot, said: "We received a report on June 23 and believe the travellers arrived the day before. We have a hearing at Oxford County Court on July 2. Until then we can do nothing, but we hope then the judge will issue a notice so we can move them."

Insp Michael Carrick, of Witney police, said: "We are aware of the situation and are prepared to assist the bailiffs when any eviction order is served. We do have certain powers but we must work with Oxfordshire County Council's gipsy liaison officer."

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