TRAVELLERS who invaded a Semington field two weeks ago could face eviction within weeks.

Landowner Albert Baxter is applying to a county court for an eviction order to end the illegal occupation of his field.

Up to 20 vehicles invaded the site off the A350 at Semington roundabout last month.

The site, earmarked for future housing development, has been swamped with vans and trailers ever since.

Parish council chairman, Robert Oglesby, said: "People have told me they have had sheds burgled and even the church has been targeted. We think it is all related to the travellers moving in."

Police said the travellers are being monitored and officers would assist in any eviction by the county council.

Meanwhile, a gypsy family's bid to move onto land near Semington has hit a barrage of criticism. An application for two mobile homes and a day room, off the A361, close to West Wiltshire Crematorium, was submitted to West Wiltshire District Council this week. But parish councillors say if the application is granted it would set an unwelcome precedent in the village.

They fear other landowners will follow suit and set up caravans on vacant fields.

Cllr Oglesby said the mobile homes would be too close to surrounding properties and the busy A361.

He is expecting a flood of objections from villagers.

"The closest house is only 160 metres away it is not a good site for mobile homes," he said.