I received calls and emails from local residents at the weekend to inform me that a group of travellers, about 6 vehicles, had moved onto the old Showfield. I quickly informed the landowners (Frome & District Agricultural Society), Mendip District Council’s enforcement officers and assets department (as leaseholders), Mendip’s Cabinet members responsible, the Police, Frome Town Council, Frome Medical Practice, Frome Collegians football club, and other local councillors. Residents had also called the police, who attended site quickly. Some residents are worried that their back gardens will be broken into and used as a toilet, as happened two years ago.

I have heard from Mendip’s enforcement officers this morning, and they are dealing with this quickly now, so I hope the legal process of eviction will go smoothly.

After inspecting the site, it is clear that the travellers have gained entry by removing or breaking down the bollard between the health centre and cricket ground, and I have informed the Police. The bollard was put in place in early 2013 after completion of Frome Health Centre, and I helped bring together FDAS, FMP and MDC to agree what to do here while allowing access for mobility scooters and pushchairs to continue. Site security will need to be strengthened in future.

The last time travellers camped there was over 2-3 weeks in June-July 2012. Residents gardens and the Collegians dugouts were used as toilets, there was damage to the Collegians dugouts, and thefts of equipment. The mountain of waste left behind was cleared up by Mendip’s contractors, which cost £2500. Mendip and Frome Town Council officers spent considerable time sorting out the eviction and helping clearing up.

I would ask local residents to remain vigilant and to report any damage to the site, and any unacceptable behaviour such as driving around the showfield, dumping of waste, burning fires, etc., to the Police (on 101 for Avon & Somerset Police) and to Mendip District Council on 0300 303 8588. I would also appeal for calm and to ask people not to be confrontational or intentionally cause trouble as there are likely to be children and dogs on site.