The fleet of caravans and vehicles have settled on the low field, from where they were originally removed at the beginning of July.

One park visitor said: “I’ve seen children defecating in hedges and there’s bags of rubbish everywhere.

“It’s disgusting and is ruining a beautiful park. I phoned the environmental health department of the council and they were no help.” Angry residents say they believe the council’s approach to the problem allows travellers to settle where they want without consequence.

Patience is wearing thin in the community as this is not the first time the travellers have been moved on, with fears that this will be a re-occuring issue.

Another concerned resident added: “I feel the council is ignoring the big issue. These travellers have nowhere else to go as the Forge is full and they are using a public park to settle in. They waited until their court order ran out and returned here.

“I’m worried about the safety of the kids, I’ve seen young children sleeping in cars at night, they don’t attend school and no one seems concerned.

“During the day they’re pulling branches off trees and throwing stuff in the river. Why hasn’t a truant officer visited?

“The council came down on the first day they settled with bin bags to ask them to keep the park clean. It’s supposed to be a £40,000 fine for fly-tipping.

“Every time I phone the council it’s palmed off. I understand the council has to support everyone but it’s one rule for them and another for every one else.” A meeting has now been organised with town councillors, with residents calling for a long-term answer to the problem and a new settlement sorted for the travellers rather than another short-term court order.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) teams visited the encampment and have advised that the authority will raise court action to remove the illegal occupation. However, Vale Councillor Jim Bollan told the Reporter: “I’ve not had any complaints or concerns expressed about the travellers temporarily using a small section of Posties Park. Various council departments have a good working relationship and lines of communication with the travelling community.

“The fact that travellers need to set up on various sites demonstrates the shortage of suitable serviced sites for them to settle in throughout Scotland.

“We are fortunate in West Dunbartonshire to have one permanent site at Dennystown Forge, although this site is almost always full to capacity.” A spokeswoman for WDC said: “Notices have been served and Court papers are being served today, and will call in court on Thursday, when we will seek immediate decree for eviction.

“In light of the growing problem of illegal encampments on the Posties Park site, the council is considering a number of physical measures to prevent vehicle access in future.

“These need to be properly investigated and then consulted on with park users, local residents and businesses.”