Community-minded West Malling residents who cleaned up after a traveller visit have been urged to seek medical advice due to the nature of some of the waste left behind.

More than ten caravans moved on to playing fields behind the village hall in Norman Road on Sunday, July 9, and, following legal action from West Malling Parish Council and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, left after a week.

During their stay all events on the site and activities at the hall, which included pre-school and yoga, were cancelled.

Parish council vice chairman Richard Selkirk confirmed this week cleaning of the considerable amount of waste left behind was due to be completed by today.

He added: “We are aware of some residents being community-spirited and doing some cleaning up themselves. Although we truly appreciate your support, please do not do so as the waste contains some very unpleasant material.

“Our contractors are professionals with all the correct protective equipment and will do the job in a safe manner.

“If you were one of these people, please seek advice of the NHS as a precaution. The last thing we would want is for you to become ill.

“We will be working hard to get the playing field and children’s play area open again as quickly as possible.”

There have reportedly also been rabbit traps set up in Maceys Meadow. While work is carried out to find them dog walkers are asked to keep their pets on leads.

The village hall management committee will continue to be in contact with hirers about their arrangements.