Travellers have pitched up at a popular recreation ground again.

An unauthorised encampment has been reported at Beechings Way Playing Fields, Twydall, near Gillingham barely a year after fed-up neighbours’ pleas for tougher security measures to be put in place.

It’s understood the site was accessed on the far side of Ruckinge Way.

They were reportedly seen by one resident who took to social media to vent his frustation, adding: “All that money for metal fencing and it is useless.”

In the past disgruntled people living nearby have complained about padlocks allegedly being cut and new height restriction barriers being damaged to gain entry.

A police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called at 9.09pm on Friday 9 August 2024, to reports of an unlawful encampment on land near Beechings Way, Gillingham.

“Officers attended and are liaising with the land owners, Medway Council.”

Medway Council has been approached for comment.

Only last week up to 20 caravans were spotted at an open space near Rochester Airfield, the BAE Systems factory and Rochester Fire Station.

A resident who did not want to be named said: “They were putting up washing lines and picnic tables.

“They are between the car park behind the fire station and the children’s playground.”

It’s not the first time unauthorised traveller encampments have been reported in Medway this summer.

At the end of last month, a group set up camp on a field near a busy roundabout.

An encampment of caravans was spotted on open land near the Cornwallis roundabout at the junction of Ito Way in Gillingham.

At the end of June up to 25 vehicles arrived at Hook Meadow in Walderslade Road, Chatham. A week later caravans were spotted at Luton Recreation Ground.

Both areas are popular with dog walkers and children.

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, police in England and Wales were given new powers to address harms caused by unauthorised encampments and new guidance was published.

It comes amid a chronic shortage of gypsy and traveller sites across the UK.