Harpenden Common has been littered with dung after travellers camped there over the weekend.
The group set up camp with their traditional horse-drawn carts on Friday afternoon.
Harpenden Town Council, who own the land, reassured residents the travellers would be gone by Saturday morning.
But it was what they left behind that has raised peoples’ hackles.
Harpenden’s Robert Hill said: “Everyone had departed, as promised, leaving behind a quantity of manure, and hoof imprints on the manicured grass, as evidence of their free illegal overnight stay.
“I expected to see a small team sent out by the town council to ensure the area is clean and safe with all rubbish removed. I didn’t.
“I spoke to several dog walkers who couldn’t believe the town council had been so soft and accommodating.”
Harpenden Town Council confirmed the travellers left on Saturday, and workers are clearing up the litter.
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