Legal notices have been served on a group of travellers who have moved on to a site near Chatham railway station taking up spaces used by commuters.

About five caravans have been parked in the car park in Old Road from Sunday and by Monday there were thought to be several more.

One commuter Jan Rawbone said when she arrived at the car park at about 7.10am fellow passengers were only able to park at the far end, nearest to the station.

She said: “When I returned home via the same route at about 7.10pm, more caravans had arrived.

“I suspect by now the whole car park will be taken over.”

One had laid down Astro Turf, blocking one of the entrances.

She claimed that they had plugged into the electricity mains and were creating piles of rubbish

She said: “This is an absolute disgrace.”

Another complained that they have defecated at the back of nearby houses.

A Medway Council spokesman that it was made aware of the travellers’ presence at about 10am yesterday.

He said: “Council officers are currently on site serving the relevant legal notices to ensure the caravans are moved from the site.”

Police have been informed.