TRAVELLERS have invaded Prince Charles’ “model town” of Poundbury in Dorset.
The group pitched up last night and parked on the Great Field – but have been asked to leave.
Around ten caravans, with horses, arrived on Monday evening, residents said.
Pictures from the idealistic town thought-up by Prince Charles show cars and caravans parked on a large bit of grass, near some of the uniform houses.
They have been asked to move on by the Duchy of Cornwall, owner of the land Poundbury is built on.
The new town was created by the royal in the early 1990s, who wanted to build an eco-friendly town with impressive architecture.
A spokesman for the Duchy of Cornwall told the Dorset Echo: “The Duchy of Cornwall has spoken to a number of the individuals that arrived on the Great Field at Poundbury yesterday.
“The Duchy has informed them that the land is private and that they are required to vacate the land.”
MOVED ON
A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “Dorset Police received a number of reports on the evening of Monday July 6 in relation to a group of travellers at the Great Field in Poundbury.
“Officers have attended and have been liaising with the landowners, the local authority and the group. We continue to provide an increased police presence in the area for community reassurance.”
A spokesman for Dorset Council – which has a Gypsy and traveller Liaison team – said: “The encampment at Great Field at Poundbury is on Duchy of Cornwall land, the Duchy Estate is aware and are managing the situation.
We do not know where they were living previously.”
Prince Charles wanted to make his town as a mix of private and affordable housing, with a town full of boutique shops, businesses, a school and medical centre.
Using a design created by master planner Leon Krier, the Duchy of Cornwall began construction on Poundbury in 1993.
Due for completion in 2025, it is expected to house a population of 6,000. Poundbury currently provides employment for over 2,000 people in over 180 businesses.
