Travellers have set up camp in a Cambridgeshire field, leaving 'human waste' and rubbish in their wake.

Paul Bristow, MP for Peterborough, shared a message to Twitter expressing dismay at the encampment, which has been set up ‘near the stream between the Lidl and the Recreation Ground' in Werrington.

The message was addressed to Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, and asked the local authority to use ‘all powers available’ to move the travellers on.

Take part in our lockdown survey and help us record living through history:

It reads: “A number of residents have contacted me about this matter. I am reliably informed that residents have endured illegal encampments on a yearly basis.

“The impact that this has had and continues to have on the quality of life of residents has been considerable.

“There are reports of rubbish and human waste being left with a significant clean-up bill to follow, anti-social behaviour and reports of fires being lit.

“As well as impacting upon residents, this presents the local authority with a considerable financial burden.”

Bristow also explained that new powers ‘promised’ by the current government would see local authorities given greater power to act against unauthorised encampments.

The powers would include the ability to arrest travellers and seize their property after they set up camp unlawfully.

While these measures are not yet in place, Bristow still urged the council to act swiftly to deal with the encampment.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said travellers were leaving 'human waste' and rubbish at the site

“I understand that everyone’s attention is focused on the COVID-19 emergency,” the letter continues.

“While our attention is focussed on the national effort, we must not allow this to delay action against any illegal encampment.”