Human faeces was discovered in a children's play area after Travellers camped illegally on sports fields in Litchard, Bridgend. The encampment, consisting of around 13 caravans and up to 20 cars, occupied the council-owned Litchard playing fields for five days starting Monday, June 15. Local residents and sports teams reported that sections of the pitches were also left covered in dirty toilet paper, along with burn marks from barbecues and vehicle tracks.
Council Threatens Legal Action
Bridgend Council issued a legal direction similar to an eviction notice, which the Travellers initially defied. The council threatened to take legal action before the group eventually left on Friday evening. A clean-up operation began immediately, but images shared over the weekend showed human excrement left behind, including in a children's play area. The play area was closed temporarily and was expected to reopen later on Monday, June 22, after a final safety inspection.
Community and Club Response
Litchard FC, a local football team, shared images with WalesOnline showing dirty toilet paper scattered on the fields. The club expressed frustration, stating that the "sight of caravans, motorhomes and vehicles spread across our playing fields has left many of our members frustrated and disappointed." However, the club also thanked the community and council for their swift response. In a statement, the club said: "Following recent concerns regarding the condition of Litchard Playing Fields, we would like to recognise and thank everyone who has played a part in helping restore the area for the community. In particular, we would like to thank Bridgend County Borough Council and our local councillors for their efforts in organising and carrying out the clean-up operation following the departure of the unauthorised encampment."
The club added: "Their commitment to restoring the site as quickly as possible has been greatly appreciated by local residents, families and sports clubs who rely on the facilities. We would also like to acknowledge a number of local residents who attended the playing fields on Saturday morning and voluntarily helped clear much of the remaining rubbish left behind. Their willingness to give up their own time to improve the area demonstrates the strength of community spirit that exists within Litchard."
Council Clean-Up Operation
Bridgend Council confirmed that contractors worked over the weekend to clean, disinfect, and restore all affected areas. A council spokesman said: "Council workers attended Litchard Playing Fields immediately after the final caravan left on Friday evening and throughout the weekend they have been working alongside specialist contractors to clean, disinfect and restore affected areas, as well as addressing matters raised by members of the public." The spokesman added: "The children’s play area is expected to reopen today, subject to a final safety inspection, while final checks of the wider site are also being completed. All sports pitches will be ready for the upcoming season and quick action has been taken to clean the pitches as part of these immediate works."
Councillor Gary Haines, cabinet member for communities and environment, said: "Our priority has been to ensure the site is cleaned, restored and made safe for the community as quickly as possible and the fact that council workers started the clean-up within seconds of the last caravan leaving is testament to the commitment of our staff. Throughout the process, the council followed the appropriate legal procedures, and we would like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the last week."
