A group of travellers who set up camp on Park Wood Recreation Ground have been told to leave by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC).

Around 20 caravans set up camp on the sports pitches between Brishing Lane and Bicknor Road after metal railings protecting the boundary of the field were cut.

The group has brought several dogs and horses with them onto the land, which is owned by MBC.

A pensioner who asked not to be named said he saw the group when out walking his dog this morning.

He said: "There was an old lady sitting outside one of the caravans. She started shouting a load of abuse when I started taking pictures.

"But the group we had last year was really good. They cleaned up all their rubbish and not just their own - they tidied the entire park up."

A spokesperson for Maidstone Borough Council said:

A spokesperson for Maidstone Borough Council said: “Further to our recent visit to Parkwood Recreation Ground today we have issued a Section 77 to those present. All persons are to vacate the site by 12pm tomorrow.”