Around 50 travellers have pitched up on playing fields in the middle of a residential estate.

A number of caravans can be seen on the common at Shepway following their arrival last night.

The site at Cumberland Avenue is the second encampment of travellers to set up in Maidstone this week following the arrival of caravans at the Recreational Ground in Park Wood.

A spokesman for Maidstone Borough Council said: “We have served a Section 77 on all persons present at the site. The area is to be vacated by 4.30pm today.

"Should this not be the case, we will seek a court order (Section 78) to ensure removal.”

The travellers at Park Wood were served with a notice by Maidstone Borough Council and told to move on by midday yesterday.