Calls for action on planning rules as diggers gut field

RESIDENTS living in rural North Devon say they feel powerless to stop a group of travellers tearing up a field with diggers - despite concerns planning rules are being flouted.

- by PAUL GREAVES

Photos show machinery has been busy digging up the earth on agricultural land near South Molton.

Locals fear a plan to make a permanent site. Travellers in other parts of the country have used tactics dubbed 'shock and awe' to create hard standing areas for vehicles following the legal purchase of land.

North Devon Council has promised to look into allegations of a breach of planning regulations. But so far no action has been taken and despairing locals say they feel let down.

One person, who did not want to be named, said:

"There's been lots of change on the site in the last week but no evidence of any enforcement action actually being taken to put a stop to any ongoing works."