An application has been submitted to turn an unused car park into a Traveller site.

Around 11 caravans appeared in the Wigmore Coach Park and Ride car park, just off the M2, in July last year.

The coach park in Maidstone Road, near Bredhurst, was intended to be a temporary site for three months.

It had previously been used by people who commute to London on the Kings Ferry coach services.

But the service stopped operating after the pandemic due to changing work patterns and reduced demand. It had sat vacant until the Travellers arrived.

Medway Council provided toilets for the group, but despite being served legal notice which requested they leave by October 9, they are still at the site.

Now, a change of use application has been submitted for the land to be “used as gypsy Traveller site”.

But those living nearby have expressed their objections.

Twydall resident Corina Hatt said: “Why is this being allowed? There will be nothing but theft and mess left around the area.

“They were supposed to be there for three months only this has already been extended.

“I object to this. While I understand they need to be allowed to move somewhere there is plenty of space in Iwade and already a site available to them.”

But, Cllr Satinder Shokar, who has been an advocate for the Travellers, currently residing on the site say they have been exemplary in their approach to settling into the community.

“Many residents often comment on how they cause no issues for surrounding residents, in fact, they stop anti-social behaviour like joy racing and fly-tipping on the empty site.”

Gillingham resident Samantha Thomas said: “I previously inquired about purchasing or renting this land for a reputable business which would have created jobs within the local area and was told that it is not for rent or sale but no reason was given.

“The proposed site application is not in keeping with the local area in terms of aesthetics.

“The animals they have on site are very close to the road which could propose a danger to the animals themselves but local traffic passing the area.

“I understand that the Travelling community have to have somewhere to live.

“But considering how the council are struggling financially and have turned away good business offers I don’t see how allowing the community to set up home here will help benefit the economy or local area.”

There is currently a national shortage of approved stopping sites and facilities for Travellers who follow the nomadic tradition.

Cllr Shokar said: “The families have been pushed from illegal sites to illegal sites throughout their lives, as they have nowhere else to go – this has meant them suffering in many ways.

“Since moving to this site they have made great strides in reducing their health inequalities, accessing the education system for the young children and contributing to the local economy through their business.

“Just in the last week, a member of the group was given a fighting chance from an early diagnosis of cancer, which professionals say most likely wouldn’t have happened had they not had a registered GP that they attended regularly.”

To find out more about the work being done to evict unauthorised encampments and the tough balancing act police face when attempting to address issues facing the often marginalised Gypsy, Romany and Traveller community click here.

A Medway Council spokesperson said: “This planning application was not submitted by the council, and there are ongoing legal proceedings to retake possession of the site.”