A GROUP of travellers who caused a stir when they set up camp next to Westlea fire station have moved to Bridge End Road, close to Gipsy Lane, in Stratton.

The group, who are originally from Ireland, arrived at their new resting place on Sunday.

They are now living in a car park owned by BMW behind Vela Car Wash and The Dockle Farmhouse pub.

While most residents say they are unfazed by the arrival of their new neighbours one man said he can't wait for them to leave.

Jason Close, of Bridge End Road, said his wife feels unsafe at night when he goes out to work.

"I work nights and my wife does not feel safe being alone at night," said the chimney sweep.

"We have already had them knocking on our door asking for work and maybe scouting our place out.

"They are also doing the usual defecating in full view of the public, which is a criminal offence."

Last week the Advertiser reported that Westlea firefighters were unable to do their jobs properly as long as travellers remained on land next door.

Firefighters said the travellers' presence meant crew members could not leave appliances on the station forecourt for fear that they might be broken into.

And cars used for training exercises had to be stored in a secure compound after police warned the crew that the vehicles could be stripped for parts.

BMW has filed an application with the courts to have the travellers evicted from its site - a process that can take up to four weeks.

Mr Close added: "They probably know this so will probably move on again in a few weeks, just as they did from the Westlea site."

Angela Stangroom, of the BMW group, said: "We are aware that there are travellers encamped on BMW-owned land at our Swindon site and we are taking legal action to have them removed.

"They haven't caused any damage there that we know of but they are not entitled to be there."