Travellers return to Manvers

More than a dozen vehicles arrived on Monday night at the site between Biscay Way and Recreation Road — adjacent to a rugby pitch, a skatepark and a play area.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, complained about travellers’ dogs running off the lead, posing a potential risk to children and other pets.

She also worried that the camp would leave rubbish behind, making the playing field unsafe to use.

Rotherham district commander Chief Supt Jason Harwin tweeted on Tuesday morning that police and council staff were cooperating on the issue.

In response to one resident’s questions he tweeted: “We will be working with @RMBCPress to address @WathSNT @Suptpmccurry”.

Local children were still using the park’s play facilities on Tuesday afternoon. There was no sign of dogs at the caravan site, other than small terriers.

Traveller Michael Ward (34) said that the group would stay until authorities returned with eviction papers.

He added: “We don’t have any big dogs, just these two puppies. I wouldn’t have big dogs when there are children around.

“And we don’t leave rubbish anywhere — we always bag it up and take it away with us.”

Have you seen travellers camped around Rotherham? Tell us on Twitter @TiserDave.