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Travellers have moved onto Exeter's beloved Eastern Fields - recently saved from destruction after a six year battle against development.

Around six vans and caravans have entered green expanse next to Exhibition Fields, Pinhoe, along with several cars.

They were first spotted at around 3pm today, but it isn't yet clear how they accessed the site.

Devon & Cornwall Police and Exeter City Council have reportedly been notified of their arrival.

In June 2017, Exeter City Council was forced to take legal action against a similar arrival of travellers.

At one stage up to 30 caravans were parked on the site after entry was gained through Exeter Arena’s Summer Lane entrance and up across the rugby fields.

Local resident Stephanie Edwards, who helped fight to prevent a road from being built through the lower half of Eastern Fields for six years, said: “They are there en masse. When we last had travellers on the field a few years ago they left an absolute mess.

“It was trashed and I really don’t want that to happen again.”

The playing fields represent a victory for the local community, after a battle to prevent a road being built across its lower half resulted in a public enquirey.

The David and Goliath battle with Exeter City Council cost campaigners £22,500 in legal fees and other costs.