Travellers who want to be allowed to stay at the Port of Ramsgate have seen their bid for a judicial review rejected.

Serious concerns had been raised over the 'unsanitary and inhumane' conditions of the site, where families have fallen ill with sickness and diarrhoea.

Worried councillors previously told how portable loos at the location were being left unemptied for weeks, overflowing bins were not collected and children had to walk miles to find somewhere to wash.

The land is currently home to more than 40 travellers, comprising two Pavee families, who have been there since last May.

At the time, Thanet District Council was ordered by Margate Magistrates' Court to provide a site and facilities for them.

This was done on welfare grounds due to the ill health of a baby, who tragically died, and a little girl.

Since then, despite the port being an agreed stopping point, several unsuccessful eviction attempts have been made by Thanet council.

A bid for a judicial review was lodged on behalf of the Pavee families, relating to human rights breaches regarding the treatment of the travellers living there.

But it has since been confirmed that this has been rejected. However, Thanet District Council says "no further action will take place at this time" due to an appeal being lodged.

County councillor Karen Constantine (Lab) told how residents and councillors are "extremely worried" about the prospect of being evicted in the "near future".

"The travellers tell me that they love being able to be more settled, whilst maintaining their culture," she said.

"Whilst being settled on the Port most people have taken the opportunity to register with local GPs and many of the children are either going to school, or planning to start in September."

Cllr Constantine is concerned about how the children and adults will cope if they are evicted – specifically in relation to managing their health conditions if they are moved on again.

She says each family has "multiple, complex, and severe health issues to deal with" and, without a base, she does not know how they would receive notifications for appointments.

"I’m also really keen to see the children both go to school, but also joining in some local activities, such as football and boxing with other children," she added.

"I was on the site [on Monday] and it’s extremely disappointing to see three families still without access to a toilet, shower or running water."

She said the portable toilets were again left unemptied and uncleaned last week, and has raised these issues with the authorities.

"They need to respond with a clear and cogent plan," she said.

"I hope the incoming Thanet District Council chief executive will immediately meet with us to begin to resolve these matters."

A spokesperson for TDC said it is "ensuring the continued provision of adequate facilities" for the two authorised families at the Port of Ramsgate site.

"This includes multiple toilets, shower facilities as well as a number of rubbish bins," they said.

"The council-provided portable toilets are emptied weekly, and we respond promptly to any reported blockages or required repairs.

"There is currently one portable toilet on site that has not been provided by the council, however we have agreed with the supplier to fund the weekly emptying.

"Waste bins are emptied on a weekly basis, but must be placed near the entrance of the site for the waste crew to access them safely, and this is not always done.

"Any of the families currently staying at the port have the right to ask the council for support to apply for housing, which includes making a homelessness application. We have provided advice on how to contact the appropriate council teams.

"We are actively seeking suitable sites for gypsy and traveller families within the district and have submitted a bid for funding to the government's Gypsy and Traveller Site Fund."

The spokesperson confirmed an appeal had been lodged against the court's decision to refuse permission for the judicial review, so "no further action will be taken at this time".

A spokesperson for Kent County Council said the "health and wellbeing of every resident in Kent is of the utmost importance" and it is "always extremely concerned to hear of any unsatisfactory living conditions", such as those raised about the Ramsgate site.

"KCC is not the landlord for the site," they said.

"However, the council will act within its powers should any referrals be made under our responsibilities, which include outbreaks of communicable disease and adult and children’s safeguarding, social care and education needs."