Events have provided us with a perfect example of Scarborough Council’s poorly researched and organised plans.

Where has been the support for the local residents? The responsibility would appear to have been put squarely in the hands of the local police. I know for a fact the local officers have more important matters to be dealing with and why should police resources be used to try and fix the mess created by a sheer lack of foresight from our local council?

This situation has been an absolute disgrace. The buck keeps being passed around so will we ever find out who is exactly responsible for a) the land the travellers have settled on or b) the “plans” implemented since their arrival?

It is not for me or anyone else to judge how others wish to live their lives. However, when it has a direct impact upon my own I feel I have the right to speak out and for my opinion to be heard.

Some of the travellers – and I do not blame all – show a disregard for the environment and residents.

I and the other residents are lucky to be able to live in a picturesque and quiet setting and have found the last few days to be quite distressing and stressful.

The Villa Fields estate was built some five or so years ago and it has taken this long for the local environment to establish itself. It is therefore heartbreaking to witness some of the travellers within literally minutes of their arrival begin digging up the turf, others pulling trees down. To see individuals defecating in the bushes in broad daylight in view of passing members of the public is disturbing as it poses a health risk to both the travellers themselves and we residents after they have left.

In the past 48 hours it has felt as though the estate has been taken away from the residents by persons who legally and morally have no right to be there.

It is mine and every other resident’s right to be allowed to walk along a footpath or drive along the road in peace without having certain individuals from the travelling community coming from their caravans/horseboxes to the kerbside and stare as we go by. It is not appreciated by the residents to be sworn at by children from this “site” while having their parents laugh and encourage them.

We have since received a letter from the local police attempting to give some sort of clarity to the situation. However, this has had the same kind of reaction as adding petrol to a flame. I do not hold the police accountable for the content of the letter in any way, shape or form as it is clear that these measures have been adopted by the council which has rolled over onto its back.

The main road we are told is to be blocked off for at least a 24-hour period. We are told this is to stop any more encroachment onto the estate and to help reassure us.