A SECOND encampment of travellers has hitched up in Wroughton a week after a group moved on from land on the former RAF base.

A large group has turned privately owned land known as Beranbuh Field into a gypsy camp complete with quad bikes and horses.

The travellers insist they are causing no harm, but one Thorney Park resident is concerned at the amount of litter surrounding the site.

The 28-year-old father-of-one, who did not want to be named, said the camp was an eyesore.

"There's rubbish and bags full of litter everywhere," he said.

"I just wish these people would clean up after themselves because not only does the strewn litter make the place look an eyesore but it's the worst place to leave rubbish because it will encourage rats.

"Personally I've got nothing against travellers, they have generally kept themselves to themselves and they seem to be really pleasant people, but I object to other people cleaning up their mess. We've got a massive great tip in Swindon why can't they take their litter with them when they leave?"

Travellers at the camp declined to comment.

Tony Westcott, Swindon Council's traveller liaison officer, said the landowner was aware of the situation.

He said: "The landowner and county sheriff visited the site yesterday and came to an arrangement as to when they would leave the site everyone shook hands.

"I have had the usual numbers of phone calls asking for advice and reassurance. Residents are understandably concerned and I have been in contact with regular updates.

"This is the season for travellers and Swindon is a regular through route for many of them."

Last week gypsies who moved onto land known as The Triangle, less than a mile from Beranbuh Field, said people who did not understand their Romany culture were persecuting them without justification.

The six-family encampment, some of whom still remain on the site, insisted they all worked for a living, but were being tarred with the same brush because of all the bad press other travellers receive.

And Dorcan residents yesterday expressed concern after a family of travellers settled in the car park of the Woolworth's distribution warehouse.