A group of travellers has pitched up on a York playing fields.

City of York Council has served a legal notice on the travellers to leave Chesney Fields, Foxwood Lane, following their arrival this week.

The notice has given them until 2pm on Friday, May 22 to leave the area, otherwise the council would apply for a court order to move them on.

A council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they would now be seeking to move the vehicles on in line with normal practice.

Travellers pitched up on Chesney Fields, in Foxwood Lane, York, in May 2026. Picture is from York Liberal Democrats/Facebook

placeholder image — Travellers pitched up on Chesney Fields, in Foxwood Lane, York, in May 2026. Picture is from York Liberal Democrats/Facebook

It follows reports of the arrival of the travellers on local councillors’ Facebook pages on Tuesday, May 19.

Westfield ward Liberal Democrats said residents had contacted Coun Andrew Waller about the issue.

They added Coun Waller had also requested a review of fencing at the park and that the council consider using funds available to parks and open spaces for it.

Liberal Democrats said they were fears that it would put the playing fields out of action for some time.

Labour Westfield ward councillors said officers visited Chesney Fields to assess the situation after travellers entered the site.

They added a Direction to Leave had now been served.

It follows similar unauthorised traveller camps at Chesney Fields in April last year and July 2024, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands.

The notice served by the council stated the failure to leave the site by Friday or returning within three months could lead to prosecution and a £1,000 fine if convicted.