Bosses at Chestfield Medical Centre fear severe disruption for patients after travellers blocked staff from leaving its car park.

Caravans and trailers arrived on the site last night, parking across the car park and preventing employees from leaving.

Fearing a repeat, bosses at the centre have this morning told staff not to use the 40-space car park, forcing them into the main patient car park, which often reaches capacity.

Dr John Ribchester, a senior and executive partner of Whitstable Medical Practice, which looks after the centre, was told of the encampment last night.

"They've been quite clever because they've moved onto an area of land which is actually owned by KCC Highways, and not us," he said.

"They arrived last night and blocked four staff cars in the car park after dark, who were unable to leave. It was only after our caretaker went down there and started remonstrating with them that they agreed to move a little further along.

"As a result, we've had to advise staff not to use the car park today. We can't have them being blocked in again.

"It means less spaces for patients in our main car park."

Dr Ribchester, who was last week made an MBE by Prince William, says the encampment was reported to police last night.

"At best it's an inconvenience because we don't have enough spaces; at worst it's going to cause severe disruption and we're worried about any mess and damage that may be left behind," he said.

"This is a centre with 11,000 patients so it's important our services are not disrupted by the actions of these travellers."

Police were made aware of the encampment just before 6pm yesterday, and officers have since attended the scene.

A spokesman said: "The land owner is aware and will be dealing with the matter, which is the standard procedure in terms of any eviction process."