TRACTORS were used to haul caravans off a nature reserve this afternoon (Friday) after travellers who were using the land were unable to leave.

North Herts District Council (NHDC) officers came to an agreement with a group of travellers that they would leave the site at Pryors Wood in Great Ashby, Stevenage, after around 50 caravans moved onto the land on Sunday evening.

However, due to muddy conditions, two tractors were used to help tow caravans out of the area, which is a Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust listed nature reserve.

NHDC have since confirmed that all the travellers have now left the site.

Two police cars were in attendance and PCSOs supervised the operation and helped instruct traffic along Gresley Way, where the entrance was situated.

Speaking during the vacation process, Andy Godman, head of housing and public protection at NHDC, said: “Ground conditions have made it difficult to move the travellers’ caravans from the site, however we are now making good progress.

Afterwards Mr Godman added: “NHDC officers will now work to make the site secure.

“During the course of the next few days NHDC officers will then set to work on the clean-up operation to ensure the site is restored for visitors to the nature reserve.”