Travellers set up site on A228
Published: 00:00, 28 June 2004
Updated: 16:42, 06 January 2014
TRAVELLERS have set up another camp in Medway - this time next to a busy main road near Hoo.
Thirty caravans were moved off land near Deangate Ridge, in Dux Court Road, earlier in June after Medway Council issued the travellers with a notice to move under the Education Act 1996.
Children racing quad bikes had been seen tearing across the land near the golf complex, generating several complaints from residents. A large group of caravans has now turned up on land at Sharnal Street, close to the A228.
And more travellers have set up camp near Medway Council's Civic Centre, in Strood.
People using nearby shops in Strood said it was putting them off.
One shopper, who asked not to be named, said: "It's quite intimidating because they're right near the entrance to Matalan. When I turned up, some of the children were running around by the doors getting in everyone's way."
A council spokesman said it was still in talks with the landowner to get them moved off the privately-owned stretch of land.
Meanwhile, the travellers look set to be moved from the Sharnal Street site this week.
A spokesman for Medway Council said: "This site is a designated highway, a cycle track and footpath. Papers have been issued at Medway County Court on grounds of trespass and it will be heard on Thursday. Security of the site will then be reviewed."
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Lynn Cox