Travellers pitch up in Hartley village after leaving Swanley
13:09, 21 April 2023
updated: 15:45, 22 April 2023
Around half a dozen travellers have pitched up next to a village’s main road.
Seven caravans have been spotted parked on the green between Ash Road and Hoselands View in Hartley.
Residents can hear dog barking earlier this afternoon and people from the site walking around.
One witness described seeing multiple gas canisters on the grass near the caravans and other household items on the floor.
A resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: "It's not good. They are going to be up to all sorts. The grass is going to be churned up and ruined. They'll be human excrement. Rubbish."
It’s thought the travellers have come from leaving Swanley earlier in the week.
Yesterday morning, Sevenoaks and Swanley MP Laura Trott said: “I am delighted to share that the travellers who were occupying land at Swanley Rec have now all left.
“Thank you to Swanley Town Council, Sevenoaks council, PCC Matthew Scott for their quick response to the encampment; and to Kent Police who have acted professionally and efficiently in dealing with this matter, and ensured the caravans moved on.”
The Conservative MP says she has told her fellow Tory, MP Gareth Johnson, about the encampment in Hartley as it falls under his constituency.
Police have said the land owner is dealing with the issue.
A Sevenoaks council spokesman said: “We are aware that travellers are currently on land owned by Hartley Parish Council. They will be served with notices to move off the land today.”
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
Pedestrian killed in M2 crash involving ‘number of vehicles’
3 - 2
‘This Christmas market is truly magical - but there’s just one problem’
17 - 3
Lorry bursts into flames on roundabout approach
3 - 4
Inside Kent’s newest B&M store in former Wilko
5 - 5
Delays after tank strapped to lorry hits railway bridge
6