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A MAJOR transport rally at Avon Heath Country Park, near Ringwood, on Sunday has been called off because travellers are still camped on the site.

Wessex Transport Society treasurer Penny Caldicott said: "It's definitely cancelled.

"We were going to have 17 buses on service giving free trips, another 17 static buses, 14 commercial - military, commercial and fire engines - 55 to 60 cars and three motorcycles.

"We decided that although the travellers might be gone by Sunday there are still some there now and, with buses reversing and young children, it would be a recipe for disaster. I'm just sorry for everyone."

The travellers arrived two weeks ago. Concerns about filth left spread around the park have been overcome thanks to a clean-up effort by park rangers.

Mrs Caldicott, whose husband Mike is society chairman, said she had just heard that some more travellers had just driven on to the park site, making a total of seven families there.

A Cavalcade of Transport staged by the society was to have been one of the main attractions of Ringwood Festival.

Mayor Cllr Brian Terry said: "How depressing that trespassers on the Avon Country Park should stop the festival of transport and blow a hole in one of the attractions for Ringwood Festival.

"We are extremely disappointed that in this day and age, it appears to be so easy for one group to completely destroy a pleasurable activity enjoyed by others."

4:44pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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