Porthmadog locals forced to clear mess left behind at children's park used as campsite

A children's playground in Porthmadog was taken over by a group of campers as they parked campervans and pitched tents on the site.

Despite signs prohibiting caravans from parking on Bodawen playground, several vehicles, including two campervans, as well as half a dozen tents were pictured on the grounds.

The group arrived at the playground on Friday (August 12) and left on Sunday (August 14) afternoon, according to residents.

Pictures from the scene showed that the campers had set up their tourers and tents directly opposite the play area.

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, who lives around the corner from the park, 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 Council confirmed that while rubbish was left next to a bin for the council to collect, town councillors spent some time collecting litter in the park.

It also confirmed a barrier will be placed by the entrance.