Travellers are refusing to leave a council-owned car park, despite being instructed to vacate the site.

About 50 caravans and trailers began moving into Neptune car park on Herne Bay seafront on Thursday.

Residents believed their stay was only a stop-over as the group were thought to be heading to France for a wedding.

But after three days of blocking most of the car park over the busy Bank Holiday weekend, and no sign of movement, concern is mounting.

Canterbury City Council says it has been talking with the people camped in the car park since they arrived.

A city council spokesman said: “A substantial number of caravans and vehicles began to arrive on Thursday.

“Our enforcement officers have been to the site and instructed them to move on and we are taking appropriate steps to ensure this happens as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, we are closely monitoring the situation.

“Once the site is clear, we will review our security arrangements.”

Herne Bay residents have taken to social media to share their views.

Lisa Robinson said: “Just driven past, can’t believe how many there were.”

Mark Simon added: “It’s a shame to see speedboats on trailers unable to use the ramp because the free loaders were blocking access.”

It is not the first time a group of travellers have taken over a council-owned space in Herne Bay.

Last year, caravans moved into Hampton car park, further along the coast towards Whitstable.

City councillor for Herne Bay, Andrew Cook, said: "Being the Easter weekend, we cannot use court proceedings until Tuesday but the travellers have assured us that they're just passing through to the docks and will be leaving on Tuesday and they will clean up after themselves.

"I'm sure we'll be looking into further precautions as to what we can do to stop this happening again, but it's very difficult.

"The council are completely on the ball and everything is being done behind the scenes.

"Everyone needs to be aware that this can happen from time to time."