TRAVELLERS who invaded Gilt Edge Leisure Centre car park left the sports and community hub yesterday evening - but have now set up camp on Bewdley School's playing fields.

Police were informed of the incident following reports a barrier padlock was broken and district council enforcement officers are currently "in the process of serving notice" on the uninvited guests.

Students at The Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre have not been able to use their sports pitches, which are now occupied by 10 caravans and vehicles, while school bosses have been forced to implement alternative arrangements for today's physical education lessons.

Mrs Julie Reilly, headteacher, said: "I have spoken with the families to try and avoid any conflicts and they have assured me they will clear the playing fields this evening.

"We have had no trouble as such and their arrival has not really affected the pupils at all.

"Our school does not promote an anti-traveller message and we aim to teach our learners to understand and tolerate other cultures, but naturally our site is not suitable for travellers setting up camp."

The families' presence could also affect the operations of Bewdley Leisure Centre which manages the sports pitches in the evenings.

This development comes after the travellers vacated the Gilt Edge Leisure Centre car park at 8.30pm yesterday evening to the relief of the sports clubs based at the site.

Andrew Haffner, head coach of the Samurai Judo Club, said: "I think we were very lucky that they left quite quickly and it could have been a lot worse.

"However there is an awful lot of rubbish left on the site and I remain convinced the law on this matter is stupid.

"All of the clubs are looking into putting a proper gate on the car park to prevent this happening again."

Rowan Sandoz, president of Gilt Edge Bowling Club, added: "We are very pleased and relieved they have moved on.

"There was some damage to our club which will cost us but we still tried to treat the families with respect and it all ended quite well."