Fears over hundreds of gypsies descending on the Medway Towns for a festival turned out to be unfounded as the travellers celebrated and moved on peacefully.

The mass arrival of 110 caravans to Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham, sparked concern and people called and emailed the Messenger, as well as the council and police.

The visitors were from the Light And Life Gypsy Church, which has a base in Dartford.

They held a Christian festival last week, which included music, as well as gospel meeting and bible study. Organisers paid the owners of Westmoor Farm for the use of their land.

Cllr Andrew Mackness, Medway Council’s head of corporate services, said: “The recent travellers religious event on private land, which did not require licencing, was well organised and peaceful. It has now ended and I am advised all those visiting left the site, with a few attendees remaining to ensure the site was clean.

“Police and council liaised daily ensuring the surrounding communities were not negatively effected and there were no increased incidents of anti-social behaviour or crime as a result.
“Thank you to the local community for their understanding during the religious festival and those that respectfully attended from travelling community.”

Church pastor Jackie Boyd said: “The reception has been good. This is an international organisation and we travel the world connecting with gypsies who have settled in different areas.”