A councillor plans to clamp down on overnight parking at a Carlisle park after a group of travellers set up an encampment there.

Carlisle City Councillor for Stanwix and Houghton, Elizabeth Mallinson, said she would like to see an end to overnight parking at Rickerby Park in Carlisle - something she says has resulted in significant littering there.

The travellers, who arrived at Rickerby Park during the second week of August have now left their encampment.

Cllr Mallinson said: "It is illegal to stay overnight either in a campervan or a caravan, whether you are a member of the public or a member of the travelling community.

"There is absolutely no difference.

"It is illegal and it is against Carlisle City Council's protocols for overnight parking in Rickerby Park.

"The biggest concerns we have are the amount of litter and the defecation that is taking place in the park.

"I strongly object to this and I object the fact that at the end of the day, our green spaces and the residents of Carlisle have to pick up the bill for cleaning the park."

There are currently three licensed Gypsy sites in Carlisle City Council's area, including Low Harker Dene near Kingstown, Hadrian's Camp on Brampton Old Road, and Ghyll Bank House in Low Harker.

Cllr Mallinson conceded that she recognised the need for a site for travellers and for their welfare to be looked after, adding: "I am as concerned about the welfare of the travellers as I would be concerned for the welfare of anybody parked up [at the park].

"In particular the health issues, the education of the children and their needs. That would apply to anybody that presented themselves on any of our parks or Carlisle City Council land that could be in need of assistance.

"The police and the City Council have a travellers protocol and a welfare visit has been made to the travellers to assess their needs and welfare.

"The police have been very good and made sure that the welfare needs of these travellers have been met."

A joint statement by Cumbria Constabulary and Carlisle City Council stated that "all partners involved" were aware of the encampment and worked together in relation to the issue.

It added that the Council and police officers would "continue to make regular visits to the site" and that work was on going to "ensure that the welfare needs of both the travelling and settled communities" were met.