TRAVELLERS cut through secure metal chains to force open a gate and set up camp in Prospect Park this week, the council has revealed.

Council officers were left furious when they discovered a new set of travellers moved in to Tilehurst park earlier this week.

It happened despite Reading Borough Council forking out thousands of pounds to secure the site from unwanted guests.

Investigators visited the site to find out how the new residents got in, when they discovered the metal chains securing the park's gate had been destroyed.

The council has contacted Thames Valley Police about the alleged break-in 

A council spokesman said: "Two separate groups of travellers entered Prospect Park on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

"Officers have visited the park and discovered that two chains securing a gate had been cut, enabling access.

"We are working closely with the police to enable both our powers to be used to deal with these two illegal encampments as quickly as possible."

A fence was installed around the perimiter of the park and a height restriction barrier was put in place to deter travellers from invading the site.

The spokesman continued: "The securing of large open public parks is difficult but the Council recently took measures in a bid to prevent incursions at Prospect Park. .

"It is disappointing that criminal damage to council property appears to have allowed travellers to gain access to the park and we fully understand the frustration of local residents.

"As well as working with police, our Legal team has been instructed to commence possession proceedings against the two groups and we will explore any other measures which could be taken to prevent further illegal incursions."