Travellers have ignored an eviction notice after setting up an illegal camp in Bobbing.

It followed allegations from homeowners they have defecated in the street and allowed their

dogs to run wild.

As of Thursday, around nine caravans and vehicles had been parked along Bobbing Hill, just off the Key Street roundabout near Pigeon Farm, since December 10.

Police were called and the travellers were served the notice by KCC, giving them 24 hours to leave at around 3pm on Tuesday, December 16.

Bobbing Parish Council vice-chairman Robert Bull said: “They have been defecating and urinating openly out there.

“I’m very concerned about the people that live in Bobbing Hill because we had so many problems last time [travellers were here].”

In 2007, a large encampment was established in the same place and people stayed for weeks before moving on.

A homeowner, who did not want to be named, said: “We’ve all been burgled [in the past], had petrol siphoned out of our cars, had the windows of our houses smashed – substantial amounts of damage.

“It’s a broad brush – I can’t say they are all crooks but every time people have been on that site, they have left it in a much worse condition than when they found it. It takes ages to clean it up.”

Another villager living nearby said: “I’ve seen them urinate and there’s piles of paper alongside the footpath. And there’s chickens and dogs running loose.”

A police spokesman said: “We are aware of the issue but it is a matter for KCC.”

Bill Forrester, head of KCC’s gypsy and traveller unit, said: “We are aware of a group of gypsies on KCC highway land.

“Access to the land is covered by a traffic regulation order and managed by the residents who are entitled to have access to it.

“This is the first time since 2008 that people have encamped there.”

A court date to evict the travellers has been set for Monday.

Villagers are also fuming at plans for a gypsy site to be expanded just a mile from Pigeon Farm. The owner of the site, opposite the Garden of England Crematorium on Sheppey Way, is seeking permission to build static and mobile homes.

Twelve caravans and two pairs of semi-detached amenity buildings would be set up on a site now used by a Romany gypsy family.

Swale council will consider the application in the new year.