RESIDENTS are demanding a change in the law after travellers dumped heaps of rubbish near homes.

Smashed-up baths and toilets were among the mess left – but police told residents they were powerless to do anything about the situation as the responsibility lies with the landowner.

Peter Robinson said five caravans arrived on the former Aston Hall Hospital land – now owned by retirement homes firm Richmond Villages – two weeks ago.

They left after the landowners secured an eviction order through the courts.

Peter Robinson, who lives next to the land, off Maple Drive, in Aston-on-Trent, said he was baffled by the law.

"I'm so angry about it," the 63-year-old said.

"It's totally wrong. They've gone and left the site in such a mess and filth. It's not right that the taxpayer or landowner should have to pay to get it cleaned up.

"The police were called but they said they were powerless to do anything.

"We were told to go through the civil courts because trespassing is not a criminal offence.

"Everyone I've spoken to around here can't understand the laws of this country."

Mr Robinson, of Willow Park Way, said residents were concerned that travellers would turn up ever since the hospital closed several years ago.

"It was our worst nightmare come true when they arrived," he said. "These people don't pay taxes and seem to be above the law."

A police spokeswoman confirmed the force was not able to take action.

"It is for the landowner to seek an injunction to have anyone on their site moved on if they do not want them to be there," she said.

Paul Jackson, development director of Richmond Villages, said the firm had taken care of the matter but called for a change in the law.

He said: "We are appalled that the law isn't more robust in this regard.

"We had to go to enormous and costly lengths to enforce an eviction and will be taking steps to prevent future unlawful occupation."

Meanwhile, people living along Redwood Road in Sinfin are also concerned after travellers set up camp in the area this week.

Mother-of-three Amarjit Kaur said three caravans were parked on a green area opposite her house.

She said: "I won't let my children go anywhere near there. They have come here before and are a nuisance. They leave loads of rubbish, including nappies and furniture."