A GROUP of travellers have moved on to land at Kingsteignton.

Three caravans and one motorhome were seen at Abbrook playing fields, the site of the former sports and social club.

It is believed they arrived at about noon today (Monday).

The land is owned by minerals firm Sibelco and staff have been in contact with the travellers but requests for them to move on have so far failed.

Water supplies to the site have been switched off by Sibelco to prevent any damage to pipes.

While the social club itself remains empty, sports clubs still use the pitches and the site is also home to 40 allotments.

Excrement has been discovered on the junior sports pitches used by WBB under 10s team.

Sibelco resources director Gary Stringer explained: 'We have discovered that a group of travellers have gained access to Abbrook sports pitches through locked and secure gates. As this is private land, we have instructed our lawyers to start proceedings to evict them.

'Unfortunately this will affect the sports clubs using the area.'

Site manager Keith Lee explained: 'We are doing our utmost and what can be done is being done. We have asked them nicely to leave but so far they are reluctant to do so.'

Police are monitoring the situation and have visited the site twice on Monday but as the land it privately owned, it is down to Sibelco's lawyers to draft up papers to take legal action to evict them.