Travellers are continuing to occupy a sports field in Ramsgate, reportedly threatening people who approach them, leaving rubbish and driving over pitches.

Jackey Baker’s field has been targeted by families breaking down fences to gain access for their caravans and cars for the past three weeks.

The problem has become so bad that a local councillor, who claims his wife was called a “stinking *****” in one confrontation, has said “enough is enough”.

Cllr Stuart Piper spent time clearing up rubbish from one part of the field where piles of waste are building up.

He has had numerous calls from local residents complaining about the travellers, who are allegedly also using woods at the site as a toilet.

Cllr Piper said: “The time has come for action. The public deserve better than this. It’s been going on for two or three weeks and although one particularly aggressive group have been moved on by the police, I would say that overall situation is getting worse.”

He and his wife, Lynda, also a councillor, went to inspect one group last week and say they were met with an tirade of obscenities and aggressive behaviour when they began taking pictures.

They were backed up by local dog walker Graham Hawkins, 73, who said he was driven at as he crossed the field.

“I’m absolutely sick of it. They had the cheek to tell me to get off ‘their’ field. They are leaving rubbish everywhere and local children can’t even use the play areas because of the problems caused by the travellers’ children.”

He accused the council and police of “pussy-footing” over the matter. However, Cllr Piper acknowledges that the police had moved one of the trespassers on.

A police spokesman said officers had been called three times to reports of disorder and threats but believed the travellers had “moved on”. One allegation involved a man being threatened with an iron bar.

Cllr Lin Fairbrass, Deputy Leader of Thanet District Council and Cabinet Member for Community Services said: "We are aware of two separate encampments on the Jackey Bakers sports field, despite recent attempts that have been made to better secure the site from an incursion.

"Representatives from our Community Safety Team visited the location on Tuesday, June 20 to issue a formal notice advising those there that they do not have permission to remain and instructing immediate departure.

"We are working closely with the police and other agencies to take into account the welfare needs of all parties."

Officers re-visited the location on Wednesday, June 21.

Cllr Lin Fairbrass said: "If the encampment is still in place we will then be applying to the court to request a possession order of the land to then evict those present unlawfully. This is the legal process that the council has to follow with each incursion.

"We are also aware of reports concerning damaged fencing, confrontation and raised tensions in the area and would advise anyone who experiences or witnesses any offences to call Kent Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."