TRAVELLERS have moved in to Dorcan Way just weeks after work was announced to keep them out.

A group of six caravans have set up camp near the Holiday Inn in Dorcan Way, ironically on the same day that ward councillor Pete Brown (Lab, Dorcan) joined South Swindon MP Julia Drown for a meeting of Parliament's cross party group on travellers.

Inspector Simon Dicks of Swindon Police explained that the travellers, who are on Swindon Council owned land, would be allowed to stay on the site until midday on Friday, when it is understood they will move on.

He said: "One of the travellers, a woman, was due to attend the Great Western Hospital and they claimed they had only just arrived from London.

"It was agreed with the council to allow them to stay until midday on Friday when the woman will have attended her hospital appointment."

A small wall was built along Dorcan Way to stop travellers driving their vehicles on to the land, but the group currently occupying it entered by opening the gate in the road leading towards the Holiday Inn.

One Irish traveller, who did not wish to be named, confirmed they were there because one of their community needed to attend hospital.