A GROUP of travellers camped on council property have been ordered to leave.

A spokesman for Taunton Deane Borough Council said they have set up "an unauthorised encampment" at Quantock Road, in the Wellsprings area of Taunton.

Council officers, accompanied by police officers, have served initial notices and welfare forms (Personal Circumstances Questionnaires).

That is part of the formal procedures that have to be undertaken.

The spokesman added: "If they remain on the site, a second notice (a Direction issued under S77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) will be served.

"This will advise them that they are still on site without licence or consent and provide a deadline date for them to leave otherwise court action will be undertaken.

"Any welfare issues will need to be taken into account at this time.

"If the travellers fail to comply with the notices, then the council will implement further, formal eviction procedures, including court action.

"Police will continue to accompany us in our visits for safety purposes and to monitor the position."