Some time overnight between Wednesday, April 13th and Thursday, April 14th a group of travellers parked on the grass area by the cricket pitches at the Sports Centre in Ross-on-Wye, which is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

They were not there when Cricket Club Chairman, Stuart Mair left the Sports Centre at 8.30pm on Wednesday, then a passing motorist spotted them this morning, Thursday, and called Paul Flitney, one of the directors of the Sports Centre.

Mr Flitney told the Ross Gazette: "There are about eight cars and eight vans parked there. We called the police and Herefordshire Council and we are worried that their presence could affect upcoming cricket fixtures."Mr Flitney also said that Herefordshire Council will now start to take the action necessary so that they can serve an enforcement notice, which could cost the Sports Centre up to £300. He said that the Council will send officers to check on the welfare of the Travellers and suggested that the management team of the CIC which runs the Centre starts a dialogue with them. Mr Flitney said that this cost, added to the recent vandalism was making things very difficult for the CIC.A spokesperson from Herefordshire Council has told the Ross Gazette: "We are aware that members of the travelling community have arrived at the cricket pitch near to Ross Sports Centre. Officers have served a 24 hour ‘direction to leave’ notice which means that they will be expected to leave by late tomorrow (Friday). Officers will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day.” They added that enforcement officers went to see the group of travellers on a site visit this afternoon. They did a welfare check, as standard. She told the Gazette that the travellers were found to be very amenable and friendly by the officers. She added that the travellers promised officers that they would leave the site clean and tidy. Herefordshire Council will go and inspect the area after they leave.A spokesperson for West Mercia police told the Ross Gazette: "West Mercia Police are aware of reports of travellers at a car park off Wilton Road. Officers are working with Herefordshire Council and will continue to monitor the situation."[UPDATE]The directors at Ross-on-Wye Sports Club announced on Friday evening (April 15th), that the travellers have not yet moved on from the site. They said the travellers had overstayed their enforcement notice, and they asked Herefordshire Council for advice on what to do next.