Travellers who were evicted from Green Belt land have been temporarily moved to football pitches.

The eight families who were moved from their illegal site in White Post Lane, Sole Street, Meopham on Monday have been relocated to Springhead Recreation Ground while a neighbouring permanent site in Springhead road is prepared for them by Gravesham Borough Council. The travellers and their touring caravans will be allowed to stay on the football pitches until noon on Thursday, July 9.

Their main mobile homes will be securely stores as the new site is prepared for their arrival. They will be able to move into their static units in the approved site as soon as works are completed.

The news has outraged Leslie Christie, County Councillor for Northfleet and Gravesend West, who has continuously campaigned against the travellers moving to the area.

Cllr Christie said: "It was bad enough that Gravesham council decided against all local opinion to solve their problem in Sole Street by giving planning permission for permanent plots at Springhead Road.

"But now they are assisting them to move into the actual football pitches at Springhead Park. The council say this is only temporary but nobody believes this. The pitches will no longer be used by local youths."

The council has delivered letters to nearby residents explaining the situation.