Legal action is to be taken to remove travellers who claimed they couldn't move on because members of their group had Covid-19.

Around 10 caravans started arriving on land off Chestnut Avenue, Walderslade, on Friday night and over the weekend.

Because of their suspected virus status, Medway Council officials were unable to start enforcement action.

However, a spokesman for the local authority has revealed this afternoon that work was now under way.

She said: “We have worked with the group, and our partners, to ensure they received advice and support, and we arranged for testing to take place.

"We will now be following a civil legal process to move the group on as quickly as possible.”

The council would not comment on whether any of the group had tested positive, but KentOnline understands none of them did.

As reported on Saturday, residents were up in arms about the travellers arriving in their community.

One person, who asked not to be named, said: "I haven't seen much evidence of social isolation. It surely must be easy to get lateral flow tests delivered as soon as possible as we're worried about the risks to health of people nearby."

He added: "We've experienced noise with people arguing among themselves and local dog walkers who use the field for recreational purposes.

"Their dog is attacking local dogs and the field is no longer available to use without feeling intimidated. We are concerned more will join them, making even more noise and mess."

Chatham MP Tracey Crouch posted on Facebook, stating she had been contacted by many residents raising concerns over the encampment on Chestnut Avenue.

She added: "I have been in contact with Walderslade ward councillor Adrian Gulvin, who has been working with the Council and Police, to ensure that those present are removed from the site as soon as possible. I understand that the site was locked and that individuals began to arrive on Friday evening after using an angle grinder to gain access.

"Police and Medway Council officers have attended the site and began the process for removing travellers by carrying out welfare checks on Saturday morning. Residents may be aware that some of those on the site have claimed that they have Covid and therefore the eviction process has stalled while the Council follows all the necessary steps. I have been informed the Council will now press on with its standard procedure of removal, for all those at the site.

"I of course appreciate the frustration from residents with the length of time taken to remove those who illegally set up an encampment and the damage that is often left behind, at a cost to local taxpayers. It is for that reason that I have worked with Adrian to submit an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which would enable a local authority to recover costs from those who set up illegal encampments. You can view my amendment here: https://publications.parliament.uk

"I will of course continue to monitor the situation and update constituents accordingly."

Read more: All the latest news from Medway