A dementia centre in Cornwall claims to have been left with no choice but to start a fundraiser after Travellers blocked the entrance to their premises. Clients arriving at Reflections Day Centre (RDC) in Camborne have reportedly been unable to access the building because of the encampment, which was set up on April 10.

The charity had been planning to reopen during the Easter weekend, however on Easter Monday the Travellers were still in situ, CornwallLive reports. RDC claimed the building still cannot be accessed. According to reports, the charity has been in contact with the council regarding the installation of an electric gate, which will allow clients to access the building unimpeded.

RDC now says it is having to raise money for the gate, and is hosting a fundraiser. Posting to social media, the charity said: "My plea today is if anyone can donate items for raffle/tombola prizes to Reflections.

"Please share far and wide to family, friends and local businesses. We would be extremely grateful for any help at this time. Thank you Debbie and all the team at Reflections x".

Reports state that local businesses have already expressed interest in helping the charity financially.

When the group of Travellers moved to a car park near the centre, a spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "We have taken preventative action to close the car park at Tuckingmill Valley park, Camborne, to limit the expansion of an unauthorised encampment.

"This has unfortunately resulted in the temporary closure of the Reflections day centre. We are currently looking at ways we can reinstate access. We are monitoring the situation and liaising with Reflections. We hope to reopen the site to visitors as soon as possible."

Responding to the Travellers' arrival on April 11, RDC said: "There are several caravans trying to get into Tuckingmill Valley Car Park and Reflections car park. The council has installed boulders to prevent this.

"As we speak, these Travellers have no intention from moving from the road near to Reflections any time soon. We therefore will not be able to open next week as we have no vehicle access or parking.

"We will be ringing everyone up tomorrow and we will be offering day support at our site in Threemilestone for a limited number of people. We have tried to reason with the caravan dwellers but they are not for moving 'til after Easter at the earliest!"