A GROUP of travellers who spent more than a year encamped on a council car park have pitched up at a Bewdley beauty spot.

Seven vans moved on to Blackstone Picnic Area, off the A456 Bewdley by-pass, earlier this week – just days after they had finally been shifted from the car park near Stourport Sports Centre.

Worcestershire County Council confirmed that they are aware of the incursion and have started processes to deal with the situation.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “My wife and I went over to Blackstone Picnic Area in Bewdley, which is always busy on a weekend but not on Sunday (July 31).

“We found the travellers camped there - they have only moved two miles away despite having 12 months to find the new site.

“Will they be moved this time or do we have to wait another 12 months. There is signage there and I think a by-law that states ‘no overnight camping’.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of a traveller encampment at Blackstone Picnic Area. The appropriate process has already begun."

Before arriving at Blackstone, the group had been on the car park near the former Stourport Sports Centre since June 25.

A protracted legal battle ensued as Wyre Forest District Council chiefs resolved a “complex housing issue, much to the frustration of residents, businesses and Stourport town councillors.

But a possession order was finally obtained last month and the vans vacated the site days before the July 25 deadline.

Meanwhile, the district council has confirmed the former Stourport Sports Centre, which was closed to make way for the new Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, has been sold to an unnamed buyer, subject to contract.