Council bosses are taking legal action after two unauthorised campsites popped up in the district.

It was reported yesterday that two traveller sites had emerged in the Lower Leas car park in Folkestone, off Lower Sandgate Road, and on the recreation ground in Horn Street, Hythe.

And now Hythe Town Council is in the process of issuing a court order to move the group on from the green.

It has also emerged that a steel post was ripped from the ground over the weekend in order for a group to gain access to the land.

Ten vehicles now sit on the land, which is popular with families and dog walkers.

A spokesperson for Hythe Town Council said: "We’ve had a lot of complaints about this

"They entered Saturday evening and uprooted a steel post which had been concreted in.

"The police have been informed, as have the district council.

"But as it is our land we are responsible and we are now in the process of issuing a court order, but it can take time.

"We feel dreadful for the residents, especially with it coming up to the Easter holidays.

"There are five cars, five caravans and several trailers."

This is the second time in a year that a camp site has been set up on the green in Hythe.

The spokesperson for the council added: "They uprooted a wooden post last time and this is why we reinforced it with a steel post and concrete this time.

"But that clearly wasn’t enough."

Residents took to social media to vent their anger over the unwelcome arrival.

One commenter said: "Travellers have arrived at Horn Street park again, destroyed the gate again and are currently tearing up the field with their cars and caravans."

Another post said: "If you or I broke the gate it would be criminal damage and the police would be there.

"Why the hell do they get away with it every time and then leave their rubbish behind for the council to clear up?"

Damage was also caused to the car park in Folkestone following the arrival of several caravans on Friday, with the lock on the height barrier being removed.

As a result of the camp being set up, several complaints were made to police.

Officers from Folkestone and Hythe District Council attended the lot on Monday in a bid to get the travellers to leave.

And council bosses warned steps will be taken to 'secure their removal'.

A spokesman for Folkestone and Hythe District Council said: "We are aware of two unauthorised encampments in our district, at Horn Street recreation ground in Hythe and the Lower Leas car park.

"The car park is covered by existing by-laws which means we are able to act quickly and as a result we visited the site with police to instruct those camped there to leave.

"If they do not, we will be able to take steps to secure their removal.

"The recreation ground is owned by Hythe Town Council and we are working to support them with the necessary legal processes.

"We would ask anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour or criminality to report it to Kent Police via 101 or online."

A spokesman for Kent Police added: "Kent Police received a report of a number of caravans and cars parked in a car park off the Leas in Folkestone at around 6.30pm on April 12."