The arrival of travellers in Walmer is understood to have delayed major filming involving A-listers Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy.

According to a national newspaper, both actors are in Deal for the filming of Louis Wain, a biopic of the artist famous for his drawings of cats.

Producers who've hired Coast House, a privately owned B&B in The Beach, had hoped to start filming on Sunday.

But the caravans and motorhomes parked just 150 metres away threw plans into jeopardy. The group has since moved on.

B&B owner Bernard Thomson, 65, told The Mail on Sunday: "I’ve spoken to the producers and know how concerned they are.

"I think they chose the area because it is relatively unchanged since the Victorian era.

"They plan to shoot scenes featuring a horse-drawn carriage close to the beach.

"I doubt very much that they will want to see a load of white caravans in the background.

"The council should have acted far more quickly to get rid of the travellers, who seem to be able to ride roughshod over everyone.

"The area is gaining a reputation among film-makers who bring a lot of money to the area."

The cast also includes Toby Jones, Andrea Riseborough and Julian Barratt.

The film is scheduled for release by Studiocanal next year.

The encampment in Walmer was just one of three to move into Deal since Friday, August 23.

Travellers set up next to Deal Castle but moved on within 24 hours. A small group remain at Victoria Park.

One former councillor thinks the best solution against the groups is for Dover District Council to apply for traveller injunctions.

Bob Frost told KentOnline: "Travellers tend to arrive and set up illegal camp over the weekend when both council offices and courts are closed.

"Councils are then faced with seeking a court order to remove them which takes time.

"Other councils up and down the country have sensibly applied for and been granted traveller injunctions from the courts making the setting up of camps on council land illegal from day one.

"These remain extant for a number of years. I suggest it's about time that DDC got one of these in place."

He also thinks the district has a shortfall of dedicated 'visiting' traveller sites.

A DDC spokesman said: "We continue to use our powers under sections 77/78 of the Criminal Justice And Public Order Act, and the Off-Street Parking Place Order, and have been following due legal process in this matter, which is considered a proportionate response at this time.

"There is a designated site for travellers at Aylesham Caravan Park, run by KCC." To view details of that click here

Read more: All the latest news from Deal