A group of travellers have moved onto a park and ride site in Weymouth.

It is understood that the group moved onto land next to the car park at the Mount Pleasant park and ride near Radipole sometime over the weekend.

They are expected to remain at the site for three to four days.

A spokesman for Dorset County Council said: "As there have been no complaints or disturbances we have no reason to move them on at this point.

"However, our greenspace team leader, Giles Nicholson is on his way there now to have a chat with the travellers to find out what their plans are."

Dorset Police is also aware of the encampment.

A police spokesman said: "We received a report at 4.10pm on Saturday that travellers had set up on land near to the Mount Pleasant park and ride site in Weymouth.

"We are continuing to liaise with the group and the council."

It comes less than two weeks after a group of travellers moved onto the Swannery car park near Weymouth town centre, occupying a section of the car park for several days before moving on. It is not known whether the two groups are linked.

Wey Valley councillor Pam Nixon said: "It's coming up to the time of the year when they are travelling around the country.

"Residents get very upset about it because the travellers don't seem to pay any parking fees. If it was local residents parking, or visitors to the town, they would have to pay.

"A large number of times they leave refuse behind which has to be collected at the tax payer's expense.

"The main issue is rules seem to be broken. There are procedures in place with the council and police to move them on but it take time to process."

Travellers have used the Mount Pleasant park and ride site as a base to set up camp for several years.

In 2014, the county council's planning committee gave permission for an area of Piddlehinton to be used as a temporary transit site for travellers.

The decision was made with the view that it would give authorities more powers when dealing with travelling groups.