13-06-2025
Travellers set up illegal encampment next to primary school as parents told to take 'extra precautions' when dropping their children off
A large group of travellers have set up an illegal encampment next to a primary school in Swindon.
Lainesmead Primary School is open and operating as usual despite the 24 caravans, which appeared on Thursday evening.
The vehicles initially blocked the footpath between the local playing fields and the school's perimeter fence.
The police and Swindon Borough Council are 'working to move on' the group.
A council spokesperson said: 'We are working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council to liaise with the travellers and manage their presence at the site.'
Wiltshire Police attended the scene this morning - issuing notices to the travellers.
A force spokesman said: 'We are working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council to liaise with the travellers and manage their presence at the site.'
Local residents are furious and worried for the affects on the community.
One said: 'As usual, travellers do what they want with no consequences.
'It's not been long since they left crap - literally - all over the field in Wootton Bassett Road, showing they have little care for the community around them.'
As well as the caravans, there are approximately 20 cars and vans parked on the fields.
Ariel footage shows the large number of travellers that arrived in the area.
