A group of Travellers have set up camp at a town’s recreation area — for the third time in four months.
At least 11 caravans have been spotted near the play area at Jackson’s Recreation Ground in Rochester over the last five days.
The unauthorised encampment has been reported to the land owners, Medway Council and the police, who are taking legal action.
Gypsies converged on the site which borders City Way and is popular with dog walkers and children, in April and May of this year.
A police spokesman told KentOnline they were called to reports of an unlawful encampment at the park shortly before 7.45pm on Friday (July 25).
“Officers attended and liaised with the owners of the land, Medway Council,” they said.
The council says it’s aware of the group and are following a civil legal process to “move them on”.
Read more: The powers authorities have to stop unauthorised traveller encampments in Kent
Read more: Travellers, the Romany and Roma in Kent: Who are they, their history, and modern social exclusion
If an unauthorised camp is on privately-owned land, it is the responsibility of the landowner to prevent or evict them.
Using common law powers, landowners do not need to involve the courts but private bailiffs can be brought in to enforce the powers if necessary.
