A large number of caravans have been moved from a park today.

Council officers, police, and bailiffs descended on Ripon Park in Borehamwood today after Hertsmere Borough Council was granted a removal order at St Albans Magistrates Court yesterday.

Twenty-one caravans and twenty-seven vehicles have left the site.

The council said it took steps to prevent the travellers moving elsewhere by blocking park entrances and locking gates across the rest of the town.

Other parks including Brook Meadow and Meadow Park have been camped upon over the summer.

Donald Graham, chief executive of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “This action shows that we will act robustly within the parameters of the law to ensure our parks can continue to be enjoyed by the public.

“We are looking at a range of extra measures to prevent future traveller incursions including borough-wide orders, in addition to any further fencing or bollards that can be put in place to stop caravans entering parks.

“However, we must also balance these preventative measures with the need to ensure that the public can still access and enjoy these open spaces.”

Councillor Seamus Quilty, responsible for the environment, said: “We understand the public’s frustration at the time needed to resolve the traveller incursions, but our staff have to operate within the legal process and this can take some time.

“However, they have always responded professionally and as swiftly as they can to bring the situation to a successful conclusion.”

Council contractors are visiting Ripon Park to clear any remaining waste.