Travellers pitching up illegal sites on public parks and play areas are being addressed by the council.

In the past two months there have been an increased number of incidents, and Hertsmere Borough Council have been to deal with the issue as quickly as possible.

One group has been moved on from four sites within Borehamwood, and even though travellers can be issued a notice to move on within hours, these can be ignored.

When this happens, the council work with officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary to apply for a court order to shut down the site, but these take five days to be processed, which means sites can stay active for longer.

The council then work with their contractors to remove the rubbish and make the area accessible to the public again.

Cllr Seamus Quilty, responsible for environment and transport said: “We appreciate this constant round of incursions has been frustrating for members of the public and residents.

“While we will be reviewing our processes and exploring how to deal with any further incidents of this nature, all options must comply with existing legislation.

“Currently notice of directions can only be issued covering a particular area, not an entire town.

“In the meantime, we ask for patience from the local community, while we continue to work with our partners in the police until this issue is resolved.”

To report any issues visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/reportit.