NORTH Yorkshire Police has issued a statement after Travellers pitched up at a playing field in a York village.
As reported by The Press yesterday, an encampment was first established on Monday evening (August 3) in Rufforth Playing Fields, off the B1224 Wetherby Road to the east of the village.
An enforcement notice dated August 4 to vacate the site immediately has been posted in the playing fields car park.
The Traveller encampment was in Rufforth Playing Fields this afternoon (Wednesday, August 5)
(Image: Supplied)
According to Rufforth Playing Fields Association the playing fields are home to caravan and camping facilities, Rufforth United Football Club, Rufforth Tennis club and newly formed Rufforth Circuits, along with Rufforth and Marston Cricket Club.
A spokesperson for the cricket club told The Press yesterday it had to move a fixture scheduled for this evening to Heslington and venues for games scheduled at the ground on Saturday are yet to be decided.
City of York Council said the encampment is on private land and it would only become involved if the landowner specifically requested its services.
A concerned resident said the encampment remained this morning.
North Yorkshire Police's Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Ben Ambler said: "We are aware of an unauthorised encampment on the playing fields and are working with the landowner to assess the situation.
"Reports can be made via the North Yorkshire Police website, through our Live Chat service, or by calling 101.
"Always dial 999 in an emergency."