Park clean up to cost thousands

Rubble and gas bottles were left on site, officials said

The clean-up of a Leicester park that was used by travellers will cost thousands of pounds, officials said.

About 20 caravans moved onto Western Park three weeks ago, provoking complaints from residents and forcing the cancellation of a schools event.

A court order was served on the group last week and all had moved by Monday before council staff arrived.

Clearing litter and repairing damaged fences in the park will take several days, they said.

Parks officer Alan Brown from Leicester City Council said there was a lot of refuse left behind.

Security problems

"We have builder's rubble, garden waste and some specialist waste like gas bottles that need removing.

"It is difficult to put a final figure on it until the litter is cleared up but we are going to be on site cleaning and re-securing for three or four days... we are talking a few thousands pounds."

Boulders have been placed at the entrances, but Mr Brown said it was impossible to guarantee the situation would not arise again.

"On such a large park where there is open access it is very difficult to secure the site entirely because we still need access for everyone else to use it legitimately."