NAVY veterans have made a desperate last-ditch attempt to avoid being kicked out of their club to make way for travellers.

The former servicemen have collected a 200-strong petition opposed to a decision by councillors earlier this month to use the land around it as a gypsy camp.

Eight traveller families will now be able to move on to the site, which has been leased by the Royal Naval Association Club in Northfleet for three decades.

Councillors were heckled by angry members of the public when they granted permission for the move to the Springhead Road land on condition that an alternative home is found for the association.

Now club members have handed the petition to the council, urging it to reconsider.

Colin Vidler, whose two brothers were in the Navy and who organised the petition, said: "We know they’ve decided to move us somewhere else but we’re not giving up yet. We’ve got to keep on trying."

The 67-year-old, of Shepherd Road, Northfleet, said: "We’ve just had the building repaired and the roof done, so it will be such a shame if we have to go."

The council says Government rules force it to find a home for the travellers, who are illegally occupying green-belt land in Sole Street, near Meopham.

Cllr Mike Snelling earlier vowed not to "abandon" the association and said talks about finding a new home are ongoing.