D-Day memorial trees destroyed at Port Solent just days after travellers pitch up in 30 caravans

More than 30 caravans broke through barriers at a Portsmouth City Council-owned field, south of Port Solent, on Sunday.

Since then, residents report quad bikes ripping up the field, human excrement left in nearby woods, and fireworks being used to destroy plant pots outside the Harvester restaurant.

But the vandalism of 75 trees planted as a D-Day memorial last year, marking 75 years since the Normandy Landings, has been ‘the final straw’, according to one resident.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said: ‘Anyone who conducts themselves in this way is an absolute disgrace.

‘Most of the trees have been ripped up – it’s just wanton vandalism.

‘The whole area is being terrorised.’

A barrier was put up by the council following a traveller incursion on the field more than five years ago, according to the resident, but this has now been broken - and people want ‘a long term solution’.

He said: ‘It would be so easy to put in a proper barrier.

‘I’m really annoyed with the council – why is more not being done to prevent this from happening?

‘The council seem to deal with this on a case by case basis – we want a long term solution.’

Posting on social media, Paulsgrove councillor Jo Hooper said: ‘Reports of the D-Day 75 memorial trees being ripped up in Port Solent have now been reported to the council.

‘Sympathies with distressed members of the public who have contacted me this morning. I have asked the council to investigate and to feedback to me.’

She added: ‘The local authority are serving notices to the unauthorised encampment informing them to leave the land prior to court action being taken if they remain on site.’

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Police are ‘engaging’ with the travellers, according to a statement from Hampshire Constabulary.

The statement added: ‘For the time being, police will be conducting regular patrols around the encampment and engaging with the travellers.

‘Skips and portable toilets are being provided by Portsmouth City Council to try to prevent any anti-social behaviour until the camp is moved on.’

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