TRAVELLERS who set up home on Bakers Park in Newton Abbot left their trespassed plot overnight after being served a delayed eviction order.

At least eight families cleared off from the Bradley Manor end of the public space after occupying the site for ten days.

A fleet of cars, vans and large caravans invaded the recreational area after a gate at the far end of the car park was smashed open at the end of last month, despite being re-inforced by landlords Teignbridge Council after the same unwanted visitors came calling earlier this year.

Their stay could have been shorter had the judge, who needed to sign off the eviction document, not been away on holiday.

Cllr Andrew MacGregor, in charge of the district’s parks, explained: ‘There is a legal process and it takes a little time to sort out, but it takes even longer during the holiday season.

‘To be fair, the travellers at Bakers Park are not being intrusive or causing damage, but I understand they are making people feel unsettled.’

All that remains of the occupiers’ Newton Abbot break is a line of well-filled green plastic bins and a tangle of tyre marks.

Plans are now afoot to set up a network of pitches across Devon for travellers as part of a move to prevent them blighting surrounding beauty spots.