Human excrement and gas canisters were left in a children’s play area by travellers, it is alleged by residents.

Around eight vehicles moved onto the recreation ground in Raynham Way, Luton, on July 26, to the dismay of homeowners in the area.

Although the latest encampment departed the site on Wednesday, there have been complaints that human waste has been left on the grass and in the children’s play area at Raynham Way Community Centre.

A member of staff from the centre posted on Twitter: “Have just found out that the travellers on my workplace site have been using the outdoor play area as a toilet, it’s full of human waste.”

As a result of the travellers being on the site, a number of planned activities at the community centre had to be cancelled last week.

A council spokesman said: “The travellers arrived on July 26, and were evicted by the police using their powers under Section 61.

“The council takes the situation of human waste and children play very seriously and arranged for interim clean ups to be undertaken while the travellers were on site to reduce any health risk.

“The Section 61 Order prevents the same group of travellers from returning to this site and a height restriction barrier will be installed.

“The contractor who has inspected the work estimates it will take around a fortnight to make the barrier in the workshop and subsequently install.

“The clean up operation has already been completed, but costs are not known until the invoices are submitted at the end of the month.”