Residents from Coalville have given their reaction after a group of travellers pitched up at the new leisure centre's car park.

An encampment was reportedly set up on Monday by a group of travellers at the Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre.

But a notice has been served to the group at the Stephenson Way site by the Leicestershire Multi Agency Traveller Unit stating they must leave the site by 12noon on Wednesday, according to a North West Leicestershire District Council spokesperson.

The group had moved on by then.

This is the second time in the last three weeks the site has been used by travellers which has created mixed reactions among locals.

Speaking on Facebook, Leanna-Mae Evans said: "Travellers receive so much socially accepted abuse and think it's so wrong. They are discriminated against daily by so many people and it baffles me.

"Yes, certain individuals give themselves a bad name but to assume they are all the same is downright racism."

Another resident agreed and said: "What is the problem though? Are they causing any problems?"

This sentiment was not shared with everyone however, with one local questioning how much it will cost to clean the site up, once they leave.

The Facebook user added: "All the people trying to justify their way of life, invite them to park up on your street, see how that works out for you."

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police confirmed the traveller presence and said a report of the encampment was made at around 5.20pm on Monday evening (May 1).

He added before the traveller group left the site: "Officers have visited the group to establish their intentions and officers from the North West Leicestershire Neighbourhood Policing Area are continuing to engage with the group and relevant partner organisations."