A group of travellers who set up camp at a Rochester beauty spot are thought to have moved onto a piece of land next to a young offenders' institution.

The group of around 20 vans and caravans moved on to The Vines on last Sunday and Medway Council applied for a court removal order which was served on the group on Thursday, ordering them to have left the Grade II listed park by this morning.

On Friday and Saturday some of the travellers moved off the site, leaving around eight caravans and two transit-style vans.

Some cars were still there yesterday afternoon.

At around 7.15pm last night the remainder of the group started to leave The Vines and Mayor of Medway Cllr Stuart Tranter spotted them moving onto land next to Cookham Wood young offenders' institution in Sir Evelyn Road.

Cllr Tranter said: “They started leaving The Vines at about 7.15pm, and by 8.15pm most of them were on a piece of land right next to Cookham Wood, also in my ward, so as ward councillor I continue to take a close interest and will be seeking a robust response.

“I immediately notified the police, the prison service and the council out of hours emergency team. Needless to say I despair at this ongoing situation.”

The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for a comment.