POLICE have moved to reassure residents in Mere after concerns were raised following the lawful purchase of land at The Old Nurseries by members of the traveller community.

Residents in Mere have taken to social media channels in recent days to express fears, prompting increased liaison between police, Wiltshire Council and infrastructure partners.

Officers say they are actively monitoring the situation and working with a wide range of partner agencies as questions continue to be raised within the community about access, services and activity on the site.

Sgt Lyndsey Smith said: “The Warminster Neighbourhood Policing Team has been working closely with partner agencies to ensure that community concerns are heard and appropriately addressed.

“These partners include Wiltshire Council, planning, Public Protection, Environmental Health, Wessex Water, electricity providers, Road Safety, National Highways, and Mere Town Council.

“On Tuesday (21 April), officers attended the site alongside representatives from National Highways to assess concerns relating to access to and from the land. Relevant matters identified during this visit will be taken forward through the appropriate channels.

“Wiltshire Police is committed to ensuring that all members of the community – both long standing residents and new arrivals – are treated fairly, respectfully, and in accordance with the law. We will continue to monitor the situation and respond proportionately to any issues that arise.

“To date, only a small number of reports have been received in relation to the site.

“Anyone wishing to report a crime is encouraged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, via our website, or by calling 999 in an emergency. Local neighbourhood policing teams can also be contacted through the Your Area section of our website.”

The force says the response is being coordinated across agencies to ensure any planning, environmental or safety matters are dealt with appropriately, while maintaining a visible policing presence in the area.

Police have emphasised that any issues reported so far remain limited in number but say engagement with the site will continue as part of ongoing monitoring.