TRAVELLERS who set up an illegal camp near a golf course allegedly defecated on the site when they were refused access to its facilities.

Half a dozen caravans parked on Salisbury Racecourse land near Bibury golf course on Saturday evening, August 17.

The group of Irish Travellers allegedly demanded to use Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club's facilities before becoming aggressive when access was refused.

Golf club chair Hillary Thorne claimed a brawl broke out on Sunday night which resulted in one man being arrested.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police confirmed there was a report of a "disorder" at 8.30pm and said: "A 20-year-old man was briefly arrested and then de-arrested having been spoken to by officers who determined that he was potentially a victim of assault.

"Enquiries are ongoing."Travellers allegedly demanded to use the Bibury facilities.Travellers allegedly demanded to use the Bibury facilities. (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Thorne was in Manchester when the Travellers arrived and had to cancel all bookings remotely, she said: "They were fairly aggressive, wanting to use our toilet which they did and blocked it.

"They got really nasty when they [golf course staff] closed it and said they would use our grounds as their toilet which they did."

The golf course was closed on Sunday while the Travellers occupied the area and on Monday so that staff could clean up the mess they left behind.

Anyone who had booked in for a session of golf on these days was fully refunded.

The decision to close was made in the interest of keeping guests and staff members safe, to avoid "confrontation" and "intimidation".

Hillary Thorne, chair of Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club.Hillary Thorne, chair of Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club. (Image: Newsquest)

While unable to confirm how many bookings were cancelled at this stage, Mrs Thorne said income had been lost as non-members can book to use the course.

However, Mrs Thorne said she's more concerned about the inconvenience for people who missed out on enjoying a day of golfing when they may only get a chance to do so at weekends.

There was no damage to any Salisbury Racecourse property, a spokesperson for the site confirmed.

The spokesperson said:  “A group of Travellers accessed one of the racecourse car parks through an open gate early on Saturday afternoon.

"Staff who were on-site engaged with them, and were informed by the Travellers that they intended to leave later on Sunday evening, which they did."

The incident comes less than two weeks before Wiltshire Council is set to hold an consultation at Five Rivers which will discuss plans to meet housing needs for Gypsies and Travellers.

Cabinet member for strategic planning councillor Nick Botterill previously said his business plan "commits to seek to improve health outcomes for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities".

Anyone with information about the alleged assault is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting log 317 of August 18.