Travellers are back at Long Barn Lane Recreation Ground in Whitley.

There are currently four caravans and one campervan at the park, according to the council.

A Reading Borough Council (RBC) officer visited the site this morning and has initiated the legal procedure to remove the encampment.

John Chilton, who lives nearby, said: “You cannot take your grandkids up to the park because there has been trouble with their kids shouting and swearing at other kids.

“Parents don’t take their kids to the park anymore.”

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A large group with eleven caravans was previously removed from the site in July.

The police have discretionary section 61 powers to remove unauthorised encampments, which they decide based on guidance such as whether there is a danger to life or disruption to the local economy.

The amount RBC has spent on tackling unauthorised encampments in Reading has risen by 450 per cent in the last five years.

This has risen partly due to a six-figure investment into defensive measures to keep out travellers.

However, clean ups have been the biggest expense over the five years, with more than £170,000 spent on clearing land following encampments.

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The figures were revealed through a Freedom of Information (FOI ) request earlier this year.

The council is currently readying a proposal for traveller injunctions in the town.