Image: Martin Thomas.
A Porthmadog children’s playground was “taken over” by a group of campers at the weekend despite signs prohibiting overnight camping, North Wales Live has reported.
Several vehicles, including two campervans, and half a dozen tents pitched-up on Bodawen playground, directly opposite the play area.
Residents say the group arrived on Friday and left on Sunday afternoon.
Town councillor Carol Hayes said she had to visit the playground – owned by Porthmadog Town Council – after the campers left in order to clean up mess left behind.
She said: “It took me some time to clear all the rubbish as there were so many empty bottles, takeaway bags and cartons, and dirty tissues to pick up.
“It’s not the kind of state you want to see your local children’s play area in.”
Porthmadog councillor Nia Jeffreys said: “I was shocked when I saw the campervan and tents in the children’s playground – I reported them immediately to the police and the town council clerk.
“It’s so disrespectful for people to use our playground as a campsite, besides the noise and disturbance.
“I am very grateful to the town clerk who went straight round to ask them to leave.”
A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: “At around 12.30pm on Sunday, August 14, we were called to a report that a number of tents and a campervan had set up camp on Park Bodawen. An officer visited the area, but the site was clear.”
Porthmadog town clerk Marian Roberts said: “Luckily, the group left Bodawen playground early on Sunday morning as promised after they were told to leave on Saturday night.
“They cleaned up after themselves and left the rubbish next to the bin for the council to collect but I’m aware that the town councillor spent some time collecting litter after they left as well.
“A barrier will be placed by the entrance in the near future in order to prevent this from happening again.”
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View Comments
Why would they even think this was OK?
Trouble is they think only of themselves.
As usual a few spoil the reputation of the majority. As a result more and more restrictions will inevitably be introduced.
These people are obviously selfish with no responsibility.
What makes it ok to leave their waste of all sorts for the local people to deal with.
You've spent thousands on your camper. Give just a little back to the places you like to stay by paying to use a proper camp site, especially small sites like the certificated sites. They are cheaper, quieter and what you pay goes directly into the local economy.