Anger over travellers' field camp

Owen Thomas has taken a photograph of the caravans

Travellers have set up a makeshift camp in a field close to the Royal Welsh showground in Powys, provoking an angry reaction from the landowners.

About 50 caravans have parked in the privately-owned field on the banks of the River Wye in Llanelwedd.

Known as River Field, cars are normally parked there during the agricultural show, which starts on Monday.

Powys Council said it had no obligation to provide temporary accommodation for travellers during the show.

The landowners' son said the police, local MP and AM had been contacted in an attempt to resolve the problem.

It is understood the travellers have arrived in Llanelwedd for the four-day Royal Welsh Show which takes place near Builth Wells.

Owen Thomas's parents own the land. He accused the travellers of illegally breaking into the field.

River Field is on the banks of the Wye near Builth Wells bridge

"The travellers cut through some chains put around a gate at the entrance to the field," added Mr Thomas.

"My parents contacted the police.

"They (his parents) have been left completely on their own to deal with this and I am really angry because they are decent people and I know for a fact that it is worrying them sick and causing them huge distress."

Mr Thomas said he had also contacted Royal Welsh Show officials in an attempt to resolve the matter.

John Hackley, chairman of Llanelwedd Community Council, said travellers had been coming to Llanelwedd for about 30 years.

"There's never been a proper site for them for the show," he added.

Dyfed-Powys Police and the Royal Welsh Show have been asked to comment.