Tough new measures are being put in place to deter travellers from once again converging on a popular recreation area.

Metal posts and a metal height restriction barrier are being installed in a bid to prevent caravans and vehicles pitching up on the Beechings Way Playing Fields at Twydall, near Gillingham.

The clampdown comes just two weeks after about 30 vans camped out at the ground which is frequented by children, dog-walkers and football teams.

A psychic evening at Twydall Community Centre was cancelled as organisers felt it was "advisable" given previous experience.

Lloyd Glover, chairman of Twydall Community Centre, said some people who use facilities at the hall felt insecure when the travellers were present.

Mr Glover said: "It's easy access for them and residents tend to leave them alone.

"But the field is used by the community and children don't play there, dog walkers don't walk their dogs and sometimes football matches are cancelled as a result."

The reinforced measures include a 6ft 6in high barrier stopping caravans from getting past.

Mr Glover said: "The last time two young lads just attacked the posts with a sledgehammer and the time before that they just drove a car through them."

He said the height restriction had only been up a couple of days so "time will tell" if it will be effective.

Mr Glover said while the numerous incursions were regrettable, the police and council act swiftly to move the travellers on.

He said: "By and large they are pro-active and they are gone within 24 hours of being given notice. And the council workers are quick at tidying up all the mess left behind."

In June, travellers moved back on to the field just weeks after being evicted from the site.

The last visit, in August, was the largest incursion at the Twydall site, with travellers spread out across the field, parked on the football pitches, around the hall and the children's play area.

In March they camped up near the community centre.

There have been several other occasions in recent years when travellers have occupied the field.

In 2019, they turned up five times in a month.

Cllr Hazel Browne, (Lab) , who represents the area, said the measures had come about after years of pressure from ward councillors.

She said metal hoops were due to be concreted into the ground to secure posts around the field.