Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has called for parliament to strengthen council powers to evict travellers from illegal encampments.

About 30 caravans moved on to a field in Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, at the end of last month. The field is usually used by children to play football.

Miss Tolhurst said she was contacted by residents “terrified” to use the site because they claimed the group was aggressive.

She said: “I have been contacted by a growing number of residents regarding the influx of travellers setting up illegal encampments.

“Traveller numbers and infringements have increased significantly over recent years, with regular reports of intimidating and threatening behaviour and criminal damage.

“It is disappointingly apparent that local authorities and police forces lack either the capacity or the will to use available powers to deal with the issue.

“It is not right that law-abiding residents should be fearful for damage to property or themselves created by the anti-social behaviour that we are seeing.”

Miss Tolhurst called for a debate on how local authorities’ powers to deal with travellers could be strengthened.

Although parliament did not agree to hold a debate, Miss Tolhurst said she would continue to highlight problems with ministers.

Mayor of Medway Cllr Stuart Tranter also believes current laws are not sufficient to prevent illegal encampments.

He said: “The law does not allow us to move quickly. I’ve got no doubt there are lovely travellers around, but they don’t seem to choose to come here.

“I’m proud of the fact that there are many other sensitive sites we have protected, such as The Vines. We have improved security at other green spaces, so that is a step forward. Piece by piece we will close down as many options as we can to make it as difficult as possible for illegal encampments.”

Last month travellers set up illegal camps at Cookham Wood Young Offenders’ Institute in Rochester, the former Civic Centre site in Strood, and in Gas House Road in Rochester. A group then moved on to the field in Chattenden.