NATURE reserve volunteers say they are fed-up of clearing up after travellers.

The Friends of Hoppit Mead Nature Reserve, in Braintree, says volunteers have even picked up human faeces, along with other rubbish left behind.

A group of 13 travellers set up in one part of the reserve, Marshalls Park, three weeks ago.

They then moved on to Godlings Way for four days, before moving back again after police served a Section 61 order.

Chairman of the group Denise Perrin said the travellers were hampering the efforts of volunteers to spruce up the nature reserve.

She said: “Although the council had been down to Marshalls Park and cleared the bulk of the rubbish, we still had to do a clear up before we could start on our other jobs that we do in our spare time, for free, on behalf of Braintree District Council (BDC) and for the general public who use the nature reserve.

“How do you think we feel when we see the travellers back on a different part of the reserve a week later?

“When is the council, the police and Essex County Council (ECC) going to do something positive to solve this problem that is becoming bigger every year?”

The land between London Road and Notley Road received local nature reserve designation two years ago, although it has been used by travellers several times since then.

The land includes public open space either side of the River Brain.

Mrs Perrin said: “The council will find the resource of volunteers and public support lost.

“We are asking that by-laws are brought in to help solve the problem.

“Visible support from the police would help to make the public feel safe.

“In the next few days I know that myself and my team of volunteers, who work for the council and the public for free, will be out on the nature reserve clearing the rubbish and human waste and repairing any damage that has been caused. For free.”

For information or to volunteer contact macperrin@gmail.com.