Wath rugby club is pushing for better defences to stop travellers from settling on its training field on Recreation Road.

The pitch there has been inhabited by two separate groups of travellers over the last few weeks and the travellers' presence has stopped youngsters from being able to train.

The travellers got onto the site via a gate, which is usually locked, but they claim was open.

A group were removed last week via an eviction notice but now a larger group and their horses are on the site.

It is a frustrating time for chairman of the rugby club, Steve Corns.

He said: "They are coming every year now and it's useless us getting worked up about it because there is nothing we can do.

"This week it is a different family. I think last week's were a scouting party. All we can really do is appeal to the local councillors to try and get the field better protected."

The land is council owned but is rented by the club for their under 16 and under 13 sides to train upon but they are now having to use another pitch which Steve claims will be worn away by overuse.

The club has been making excellent progress on the field with its first team in Yorkshire Division 1.

However, the presence of the travellers could have repercussions throughout their next campaign, which starts in September.

"It's disruptive to us and our entire season. As soon as they've gone it needs to be cleaned up because usually there is a lot of litter and then we will have to use it," he added.

"It has been happening for the last ten years now. It seems as though they are lawless."

Coun Alan Atkin has suggested the problem stems from there being no recognised traveller site in Rotherham. The group has been handed an eviction notice.

Coun Alan Atkin said the travellers have been served notice to leave today.

He says they will look at better defences so access is not as easy.