A council is set to serve notice on travellers who have set up camp on an open space in a residential area – for the second time this summer.

It’s believed up to 10 caravans may have pitched up at Hook Meadow, near the Poachers Pocket pub in Walderslade Road, Chatham.

Ian Gilmore, head of regulatory and environmental services at Medway Council, said: “We are aware of the group and are following a civil legal process to move the group on.”

At the beginning of last month dozens of vans converged on the green which is popular with dog walkers and children who play in the recreation area.

Read more: The powers authorities have to stop unauthorised traveller encampments in Kent

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, police in England and Wales were given new powers to address harms caused by such unauthorised encampments and new guidance was published.

It comes amid a national shortage of gypsy and traveller sites with no plots currently available in Kent.