TRAVELLERS who set up camp on a Dudley park have moved but have left a "fair bit of mess" in their wake.

Four caravans and vehicles which were on Priory Park left voluntarily yesterday (Monday April 29), but did not go to the borough's transit site in Coseley.

Local residents contacted councillors and the town's MP Marco Longhi with concerns over the situation.

Police and council officers attended and the group had moved on by 6pm.

Councillor Keiran Casey said they had left a mess behind them, which the council would have to tidy up.

Cllr Casey said: "Pleased to say that following myself and Cllr Karl Denning speaking to Directors at the Council, swift action was taken and the travellers moved off the park.

"Unfortunately, like last year, a fair bit of mess was left which we have asked the council to sort out and ensure the park is back to a clean and tidy condition urgently.

"Thanks to all involved for their swift action."

Kathryn Jones, director of housing at Dudley Council, said: “Our officers and the police acted swiftly yesterday morning to reports of travellers on Priory Park.

“They visited the travellers and advised they could move to our transit site in Coseley.

"The group left the park voluntarily but have not moved to the transit site.”

MP Marco Longhi said the encampment was "unacceptable."

He said: "Our parks and green spaces are there to be used for leisure purposes by the local community and a traveller encampment on the park is inappropriate."