A CLEAN up operation has begun in Bridgwater following an illegal encampment in Victoria Park.

Around 15 caravans had been camped on Victoria Park for around 10 days, while the process to remove the illegal encampment was followed.

The encampment arrived on July 2 and the process to remove was started on the same day.

Bridgwater Town Council said it is looking to protect the area from further incidents of this nature.

A spokesperson for the council said, “We completely understand the concerns and distress caused to residents, both Somerset Council officers and Bridgwater Town Council officers, the police and partners followed the legal process to act decisively in moving the encampment on.

“We are always monitoring where potential encampments may set up and we have already planned out work to protect the location vacated with bollards, concrete blocks, and extra fencing etc. and we are also planning to protect areas that may be more prone to access.

“Our Open Spaces team will be clearing litter and waste from the site today (July 12).”