COUNCIL bosses have been accused of a “lamentable oversight” after travellers were able to set up camp in a borough-owned park.

Woodford Green residents claim the group of about 20 caravans were able to force their way into Ray Park off Snakes Lane East last Tuesday (August 1) because a gate had been left open.

Mr Martin, of Roding Valley, said: “They turned up around 8pm.

“They rushed in as someone from the council had left the yellow gate which is usually closed open.

“I believe one lady tried to block some of them entering but eventually she had to move and they all got in.”

He and others in the area took to social media to express their shock at the intruders “swore and spat at them”, as well as trying to steal their things.

The travellers are believed to have come from a site behind Sainsbury’s in Chingford, where they removed by Waltham Forest Council last week.

Before heading to the park near Ray Lodge Primary School, they were spotted near Bancroft’s private school in Woodford Green.

But council opposition leader Cllr Paul Canal claims after the Bancroft’s invasion, private spots clubs quickly secured their premises while the council “did nothing” – and the caravans were still there three days later.

The Bridge ward Conservative said: “The message chain sent out meant private sports clubs run by volunteers were able to act quickly, while Redbridge Council with hundreds of paid staff apparently did nothing to secure Ray Park.

“It’s a lamentable oversight, which is more than embarrassing.

“It’s a serious failure that is likely to cost the council and ultimately the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds, while my residents have to watch as illegal occupiers despoil their park and insult and spit on them with impunity.”

Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal denied any malpractice, saying: “The council and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure acted swiftly when reports of the unauthorised encampment were received.

“The trespassers were served with an eviction notice on Friday August 4 as per the legal procedure.

“Police officers attended at 6pm on that Friday to enforce the Section 61 notice and the trespassers left the site.

“The council is exploring further ways to deal with these type or problems and I look forward to working with Cllr Canal to lobby his central Government colleagues for greater powers for councils like us to act.”