A court has ordered the removal of travellers from a park almost two weeks after they arrived.

Kent Police and Gravesham Borough Council were made aware of around 20 caravans pitching up at St Gregory's Crescent in Gravesend on August 24.

Speaking at the time, the council said it was "taking all necessary legal steps to have them moved on".

The case was listed at Medway Magistrates' Court yesterday, where District Judge Stephen Leake made an order to remove the remaining vehicles from the land.

The judge heard from an employee of Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) that the group, consisting of 23 caravans, arrived at the site on August 24.

Notice was given that all individuals and vehicles leave, and a notice was left on the gates of the open space by the council under section 77 of the act on August 25.

A summons was then issued to the group on September 2, again to all individuals and vehicles on the site.

Welfare checks were carried out by GBC after they went to the camp and it decided there was no just reason for the travellers' occupation of the land.

The court heard there were some children as part of the group, but there were no real numbers. They were believed to be between 10 and 15 years.

The group had moved to the St Gregory's area from Wombwell Park, Northfleet.

Judge Leake said: "I am satisfied notice has been given to the group and I make an order for their removal now."

The land at St Gregory's was empty this morning.

However, around 20 caravans have pitched up overnight at Hever Farm Recreation Ground, behind Sandown Road, Gravesend. They are thought to have arrived at 9pm yesterday.

A council spokesman said: “Council officers are on site this morning and will be serving a notice requiring those on site to leave today. If this is not adhered to, we will apply to the courts for the necessary legal notices to move the group on.”