A barrier will be installed to keep travellers out of a park in Pershore.

Work to install a knee-high metal railing at Abbey Park will begin next Monday following overwhelming public support.

More than 300 people took part in a public consultation in response to concerns raised following a number of illegal encampments at the park last summer.

Speaking last July, when a group of travellers moved on to the park for the second time in a matter of weeks, one resident claimed: “Last time they were keeping people awake till 2am in the morning.

"They were going into elderly residents gardens, intimidating them.

"The mess they left was absolutely disgusting, human excrement everywhere and all in the children's play area along with mountains of rubbish."

Evesham Journal: A photo provided by Wychavon District Council of what the barrier will look likeA photo provided by Wychavon District Council of what the barrier will look like

91 per cent of those who attended the consultation supported the idea of a physical barrier to deter future illegal encampments.

Wychavon District Council is also preparing an application for an order which would allow them to quickly move anyone illegally camping on the park.

The Council has also held discussions with West Mercia Police to clarify what powers the police have to deal with illegal encampments on areas where there is high community concern.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, leader of the Council, said: “I’m grateful to all those who took part in the consultation as well as councillors for Pershore who have worked with officers to tweak the design to reflect the views of residents.

“The barrier strikes the right balance between providing a deterrent that will make it more difficult to illegally camp on the park, while protecting the park’s character and enjoyment for all users.”

More than two thirds of the comments received supported the design but some raised concerns about the effectiveness and colour of the barrier.

As such, efforts will be made to disguise the metal rail which will be painted black, and surrounded by wildflowers.

The rail will also feature boulders at pedestrian entry points and three lockable barriers to allow vehicles access for maintenance and events.

Alternative proposals put forward include a series of ditches and bunds, stone walls, and iron railings, all of which were ruled out as they would impact on the views across the parks.

The council are aiming to have the rail fully installed by Easter.