A group of travellers have converged on a field near a busy roundabout.

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

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the group and are following the civil legal process to move the group on.”

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

At the end of June up to 25 vehicles descended on 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 who play in designated recreation grounds on site.

Police were called to another incident after a “group” reportedly tried to access the car park to the new-look Cozenton Park leisure centre.

A man was arrested in connection with an allegation a padlock had been damaged and he was taken into custody before later being released without charge.

Officers spoke to other motorists who were present and they departed.

Another encampment was later reported at the car park for the B&Q in Gillingham before being moved on.

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.