DAMAGE has been caused to Teignbridge Council’s headquarters at Forde House, it has been confirmed.

The front door was damaged and several ground-floor windows were broken.

The windows have been boarded up and will be repairs.

Police confirmed they are investigating reports of damage at the Newton Abbot building.

Police and council officers have also been onsite following the arrival of about 20 traveller vans, caravans and cars in the car park over the weekend.

A spokesman for Teignbridge Council said: ‘We were made aware yesterday evening that there had been some damage to Forde House - the front door was smashed, and several ground-floor windows were broken.

‘These have been safely boarded up and will be repaired in due course.

‘The police have attended the site and have logged the damage.

‘Due to the unauthorised encampment of caravans and other vehicles in Forde House car park, parking at the site will continue to be severely limited this week.

‘However, all council services are operating as usual.

‘We are prioritising parking spaces for staff working in critical services and allowing capacity for visitors to the council, the Job Centre and the dentist surgery.

‘We are open as normal for anyone with an appointment for one of our services, and we will keep residents updated as the situation changes.’

The council says it is ‘following the relevant legal processes’ to remove the unauthorised encampment.

Anyone needing to attend the council offices will have to find alternative transport as the car park will not be available.

Reception will be open as usual for anyone who has an appointment.

Visitors are advised travel by public transport, walk or cycle where possible.

Limited parking will be available for those with mobility issues.