A convoy of French travellers who were threatened with legal action after parking their caravans in Gravesend town centre have moved on.

The six vehicles, along with a number of cars, including Mercedes saloons and 4x4s, were parked in Parrock Street car park.

The group consisted of mostly families with young children.

When approached by Kent Online, the group stated they would be living in Gravesend for a week before moving on to London.

Earlier today, a Gravesham council spokesman said the group had been there since Sunday.

He said: "The council got permission from Medway magistrates that the travellers had until 1pm today [to leave].

"If they don't abide by the order we can take authoritative action which will involve bailiffs.

"There were only four caravans until this morning but there are now six.

"They told us they were from France and said they were on their way to Birmingham.

"They claimed that one of their cars was exhibiting engine problems so we asked to have an authorised mechanic take a look, which they did not do.

"We went to Medway magistrates, which is the next step in the process, to sort and get an order from the court."

The group were issued fines, by the council, as were the drivers of any other vehicles that were not displaying valid car park tickets.

The caravans left just before the 1pm deadline.

The car park includes an award-winning toilet block that was built for £300,000 in 2007, thanks to a government grant.