Residents of Peopleton, Worcestershire, say they are in “despair” after an unauthorised traveller site was created on farmland already linked to alleged illegal waste dumping. The land was reportedly tarmacked and developed over a weekend, prompting claims that enforcement authorities have been unable to prevent continued building.

Locals allege the site was previously used to dump about 200 tons of waste from a nearby processing operation associated with convicted waste offender John Bruce. Despite a stop notice and enforcement action, around six caravans, electric gates, CCTV and other facilities have reportedly been installed; residents say work began while council offices were closed, leaving them unable to secure an immediate response.