A GROUP of travellers has illegally set up camp at a Suffolk beauty spot.Travellers arrived at Sutton Heath, near Woodbridge, with an assortment of old vehicles earlier this month.

A GROUP of travellers has illegally set up camp at a Suffolk beauty spot.

Travellers arrived at Sutton Heath, near Woodbridge, with an assortment of old vehicles earlier this month.

They are on land owned by Suffolk Coastal District Council and now the needs of the travellers will be assessed before a decision is made on their future.

But a dog walker from Woodbridge, who declined to be named, said: ''It is very disappointing that year after year a collection of old caravans and vehicles turns up in this beautiful countryside.

''The presence of the travellers and their dogs is very unsettling for the public. Over the years so much time and money has been spent on achieving nothing. The travellers come, they go and they come back again onto the heathland and into the forests near Woodbridge.''

Travellers have often camped on the site, one of Suffolk Coastal's most important areas for wildlife and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the last few years.

The Sutton Heath camp is adjacent to popular footpaths used by many people and dog walkers and can easily be seen from the road to Sutton.

The council maintains ditches and embankments to try to deter trespassers but this is not always practical when the land is very large.

A district council spokesman said: ''Prior to determining whether to take any action the council is legally obliged to carry out a welfare audit of the travellers which is being arranged.

''Once we have received the audit we will consider what action if any, is appropriate.”