A popular park has had bollards installed and it is hoped the new measures will stop travellers from getting in.

Last year, there were reports of damage to Orchard Park, formerly North Watford Playing Fields, after travellers ‘invaded’ the site, costing thousands of pounds to clear and fix.

Councillors in Nascot ward have worked to install two new bollards which they hope will prevent any future encroachment into the park. They say they have received concerns from residents in the area about further attempts to get into the park.

The bollards are situated at the entrance to a path into the park opposite Orchard Primary School in Gammons Lane.

Cllr Mark Hofman said: “We do not want to see any repeat of the damage that was caused last year by the reckless behaviour of a number of travellers who invaded the park. The clear up operation cost thousands so the investment in new bollards will hopefully reassure residents that we’re doing all we can to stop a repeat this summer.”

So far this summer, travellers have pitched up on at least two sites in Watford. In June, travellers moved into Leggatts Green as well as land near Wiggenhall Road, close to Watford General Hospital.

Meanwhile in Bushey, travellers moved three times across the town. They originally set up camp in a field in Golf Close before pitching up in King George Recreation Ground, finally moving to a field in Little Bushey Lane, before leaving the area.

Bollards have also been installed at Bushey Country Club to stop any potential encroachment onto the site. The club closed down on April 1.