A GROUP of travellers who set up an unauthorised camp at Teignbridge Council’s own headquarters has now left.

About 20 vehicles, including caravans, vans and cars, moved onto the car park at Forde House in Newton Abbot on Saturday.

Last night, the council confirmed, the group left the site.

A spokesman said: ‘We followed the same legal process as we do with all unauthorised encampments and notified the courts yesterday that we planned to begin eviction proceedings.

‘However, the travellers left of their own accord before these court proceedings were enacted.

‘We don’t have any further information as to why they left when they did, or where they have moved on to, but as far as we’re aware, they are not at another site in the district.’

Since the group left, the council’s cleansing teams have been checking the car park and grounds today and have cleared any waste left behind.

The spokesman added: ‘Our car parks will be fully open to visitors, staff, and councillors from tomorrow, Wednesday.

‘Our Assets Team is assessing the damage to the ground-floor windows and front entrance at Forde House, and repairs will be arranged as soon as possible.'