THE leader of a group of travellers said they are in Weymouth to enjoy themselves and 'not cause trouble'.

Police confirmed groups of 'unauthorised encampments' have appeared across several Weymouth sites yesterday - including Weymouth Rugby Club, The Nothe and the Marsh.

READ MORE'Number of unauthorised encampments' spotted at Weymouth Rugby Club, The Nothe and the Marsh

Dorset Echo: Police are parked at the entrance to the Marsh from Southview RoadPolice are parked at the entrance to the Marsh from Southview Road

A large traveller group has set up camp on the Marsh, just off Southview Road - with police currently monitoring the situation.

The traveller camp is led by Jim 'Beb' Prince from Cardiff - who recently starred on the Channel 5 documentary Here come the Gypies.

Dorset Echo:

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, he said: "We don't see what the problem is.

"We clean up after ourselves and put rubbish in bin bags. All we leave is a bit of horse muck.

"Everyone here including myself are Romany gypsies - we're just here to enjoy ourselves and not cause trouble."

Dorset Echo:

The current camp on the Marsh has more than 20 vehicles - including cars, caravans and vans - parked on the field just off Southview Road, with more cars owned by the travellers parked on the The Marsh Sports Ground car park.

There are four horses, caged chickens and running motor engines pitched up on site.

Officers on site said they are 'monitoring the situation', and have parked at the entrance to the field from Southview Road.

The area remains open to the public.

Dorset Echo: