TRAVELLERS in Eynsham are living on village land illegally, according to residents and councillors.

A group of people have been living in about half a dozen caravans and other vehicles in Chilbridge Road since May, after previously staying on other village plots over the past three years.

Residents have asked Oxfordshire County Council, which owns the land, to remove them but have been told it is the responsibility of a tenant farmer.

Stefan Gabszewicz, of Chilbridge Road, said: “The worry is it’s being established and before you know it there will be others there and it’s more difficult to move. There’s been no real response about what’s going on and it’s like the council wants to turn a blind eye to it.”

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County council member for Eynsham, Charles Mathew, said about a dozen people had complained.

He added: “These situations are always difficult and while people have some sympathy for people who are homeless, their occupation of this land is illegal.”

County council spokesman Dominic Llewellyn-Jones said: “The county council currently leases that land, it is the tenant’s legal responsibility to ensure that the land is used in the terms set out in the lease agreement. The council is exploring all options open to us at this time and are keen to find a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and maintain contact with the tenant and the local community.”

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