Concern after travellers pitch up at Catcliffe playing fields

The camp of two dozen caravans sprang up at Catcliffe Recreation Ground over the weekend.

One resident claimed locks had been broken to get onto the Poplar Way site.

He said: “Despite requests to leave by parish councillors, they refuse to do so.”

A Rotherham Council spokesperson said: “Although the land is not within council ownership, council officers and partners will visit the site and provide appropriate advice.

“We will also work closely with the parish council to ensure these community facilities are brought back into proper use as quickly as possible.”

A police spokeswoman added: “Police are supporting Rotherham Council with this matter and we will be carrying out a joint visit to the site with them.

“We will be working to establish whether any criminal damage has been caused.”