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Second group of travellers at Stanhope in Ashford lead to visits from police and the council, after complaints.

By: Tim Collins

Published: 10:47, 21 August 2013

A second group of travellers have moved onto council land in Stanhope, Ashford, while another group have left rubbish strewn across their vacated site.

We previously reported how a group of 15 caravans had moved onto a playing field near Speldhurst Close.

That group has now left the site but a second group has made their home just down the road.

The new encampment has been set up near where Cuckoo Lane meets the Stanhope ring road.

Travellers at the new site

A resident of nearby Greencroft, in Washford Farm, says he is fed up of noise being created by the group.

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The man, who did not want to be named, said: “You can hear the sounds of music being played and generators, which we can just about put up with, but now they are piling up loads of scrap metal too.

“When the travellers were here a few years ago, I got my fence broken. It’s sort of like they’ve just taken over.”

Police have been called to deal with multiple reports of crimes and anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman for the force said: “Police were called about damage to a fence allegedly committed by the travellers at around 11am on Sunday, to allow them access to the site and officers are investigating this.

Rubbish left at the first site

“Police have also been called several times about anti-social behaviour and the alleged theft of some metal.

“Kent Police is liaising closely with Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and is monitoring the site and patrolling the area on a regular basis.”

The land is owned by ABC, who would have to serve the Notice to Leave needed to evict the group.

“We will monitor the situation in the meantime and proceed with the legal action if required.” - ABC

But the council say that they believe the travellers will be vacating the site this weekend.

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A spokesman added: “We are aware of the situation, have been out on site with the police and understand the travellers intend to move on at the weekend.

“We will monitor the situation in the meantime and proceed with the legal action if required.”

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