A council will go to court today seeking an order to move a group of travellers off a community recreation ground in Maidstone.

Caravans arrived at Gatland Park in Fant on Monday. They were given an eviction notice with a deadline to leave by 3pm on Tuesday by Maidstone Borough Council officers. This was ignored.

The local authority had hoped to secure the section 78 notice yesterday, giving the travellers 24 hours to leave. However, they were unable to get a court appearance until 9.30am this morning.

Cllr Matt Boughton (Con), who represents Fant, said: "Though it is disappointing that a court appearance couldn't be held on Wednesday, this should mean the travellers are gone by the weekend.

"It should be emphasised that this delay is at the court's end, and not Maidstone Borough Council seeking to frustrate the process.

"Indeed, as I pointed out at a meeting of the council last night council officers have dealt with this excellently."