People have been left angry after travellers returned to one of their favoured Plymouth haunts - potentially in breach of the Government's latest lockdown rules about large gatherings and staying overnight at other places.

Around five large caravans were spotted this morning, Tuesday, at the Prince Rock playing field in Embankment Road.

One witness said they saw them at the field on Monday evening while another witness has claimed that more have arrived today.

One told Plymouth Live: "I saw some of the travellers standing at the open gates as other caravans were preparing to pull onto the land."

Another reader remarked: "Isn't that a full breach of the current Coronavirus travel restrictions? On that basis there should be no need for the council to have to supply anything like toilets or bins.

"Caravans means chemical toilets, so where will this be put once full?

"They should be moved on immediately."

Plymouth Live has contacted both Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police for comment regarding who takes primacy of the situation, although we have learned that local police are currently deferring to Plymouth City Council to take action.

Last month Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson told Plymouth Live: "Our approach would be to engage and educate and to understand the reasons that they are seeking to leave a pitch and travel in order to confirm whether it is in line with the new restrictions.

The cost of travellers

It was recently revealed that Plymouth City Council has spent more than £120,000 on covering legal costs associated with the removal of travellers.

Plymouth taxpayers’ bill to remove travellers

The below figures are in relation to legal costs associated with unauthorised encampments, which may not have resulted in a formal eviction.

2015/2016: £24,981

2016/2017: £39,807

2017/2018: £31,275

2018/2019: £21,726

2019/2020 to date: £3,768.02

That brings the total spent moving on travellers since 2015 to £121,557.02.

"We would ask the reasons that they are wanting to move on and ask if they feel the journey to be essential. Many travellers are engaged in seasonal work in agriculture and related businesses.

"They may be moving in order to be available to start work in an essential industry. They might also be moving for medical reasons or to provide essential care."