A GROUP of travellers have set up camp on land at a council-owned leisure centre in Taunton.

Police officers have visited the unauthorised encampment at Blackbrook Leisure Centre.

They say they will continue to monitor the situation at the Somerset West and Taunton Council site.

Somerset County Gazette:

An SWT spokesperson said: "SWT has today (Friday) been made aware of an unauthorised encampment taking place at Blackbrook Leisure Centre in Taunton.

"Having gained unlawful access, a group of caravans have been parked at the rear of the premises.

"Avon and Somerset Police have visited the site and will continue to monitor the situation.

"SWT regrets any inconvenience this may cause and would like to reassurance members of the local community that it is working with its partners to resolve the situation as soon as possible."

The spokesperson added that any non-emergency concerns can be reported to police by calling 101.

Travellers have set up camp at the leisure centre site on a number of occasions in the past.

On one occasion, the council installed boulders to prevent them accessing the site - but the travellers simply rolled the boulders away and moved onto a field there.