USERS of the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton have expressed their anger on social media that the Centre has had to close for the foreseeable future.

About eight travellers caravans arrived in “The Rec”, the field adjoining the Leisure Centre during the evening of Thursday, July 18.

It is believed that this is the reason that Mid Devon Leisure took the immediate decision to close the Centre until further notice.

The Rec is currently rented by Crediton Rugby Club from Queen Elizabeth’s Academy Trust Educational Foundation.

The trustees of the Academy Trust Education Foundation are aware of the presence of the travellers.

It is believed they gained access to the Rec through the gate to the field which adjoins the leisure centre.

The Academy Trust was the body which sold a part of the Rec to Lidl.

Lidl contractors are currently in the early stages of preparing the site for the future Crediton Lidl store.

Crediton Rugby Club said on social media: “We are aware of the visitors who have arrived this evening (July 18) and the relevant authorities have been contacted”.

The arrival of the travellers follows a week-long stay by travellers in the Leisure Centre car park in April.

On that occasion more than 12 caravans and associated vehicles were parked in the leisure centre car parks.

Bailiffs acted on behalf of Mid Devon District Council to give the travellers notice to leave on April 13 but that was then extended to April 14.

Eventually, with the assistance of police, bailiffs and enforcement officers, the travellers left during the afternoon of April 14.

Some damage was believed to have been caused to the Leisure Centre in April.

A vast quantity of rubbish, left over food, faeces, gas cylinders, fuel cans, tools and other items were also left behind in April.