Travellers set up camp in exclusive Torquay area

Travellers have chosen Torquay's exclusive Ilsham Valley, near Meadfoot Beach, to set up camp during the recent spell of nice weather. Currently, two caravans and two vehicles are parked on Ilsham Green which is well-known for being one of the poshest areas of the town.

House prices in nearby Ilsham Marine Drive are typically around £1.5million. Ilsham Green itself is an idyllic area used for picnics and games by holidaymakers, local families and dog walkers.

The Travellers have set up on one edge of the green. The land is owned by Torbay Council.

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According to its website, last updated today, May 21, it is dealing with four reported cases of unauthorised encampments within the bay. They are listed as being:

• Kings Ash: Site has been attended and we have been informed that the encampment is now on Private Land. We are liaising with the owners.

• Cliff Road: Instruction has been issued to our Enforcement Team and we are waiting an update.

• St Lukes Road South: Instruction has been issued to our Enforcement Team and we are waiting an update.

• Meadfoot Green: Instruction has been issued to our Enforcement Team and we are waiting an update.

Its website states: "We will work to remove unauthorised encampments in Torbay and to treat all those involved with dignity and respect. We also expect this in return and will not tolerate violent, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour towards our staff.

"An unauthorised encampment is one where Gypsies and/ or other Travellers camp on land that they do not own, and without the owner’s permission. An unauthorised encampment is not a criminal offence.

"Where we act to remove an unauthorised encampment we do so as the land owner, and there is not a statutory duty for us to act. We have no powers to intervene if the encampment is on private land."

In recent months, Travellers have been arriving in Devon and have set up in different parts of the county before being moved on. The summer months always bring an abundance of the travelling community to the region.