Masham Parish Council has said it is exploring measures to stop travellers camping on the town’s village green.
Travellers have pitched up on the green, alongside The Avenue, for many years but after a group arrived last month the council has said it is time to explore tougher measures.
Currently there is a height barrier at the entrance and an industrial lock.
However, when the travellers arrived before Appleby Horse Fair last month the lock was cut off, allowing access to the patch of land. They stayed for about 10 days.
According to the council, litter and human excrement was left behind and a lifebelt, kept on the river bank for emergencies, had been thrown into the River Ure. It was found in the water by fire crews with the rope cut.
Masham Parish Council said discussion were underway to see what could be done, with CCTV cameras among the options being discussed.
Cllr Ian Johnson said:
“It happens each year but this is the first time they’ve cut the lock. It’s an industrial one so it won’t have been easy to remove. We are looking into what we can do ahead of next year.”
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The council will now spend about £100 on a new rope for the lifebelt and look into replacing a missing picnic bench.
The area, known to locals as Shooting Holme, is often used for picnics and exercise.
