Travellers set up camp near new Edenbridge community centre - Kent

From the Edenbridge Courier

A TRAVELLERS' camp has set up next to Edenbridge's new community centre.

The convoy of eight caravans moved in under cover of darkness on Sunday night, settling in the empty field next to the £2 million development.

When approached by the Courier, one woman at the camp said: "We're just trying to live our lives," before asking that we leave.

By Monday afternoon the caravans had settled in on the small patch of concrete between Four Elms Road and the field.

Meanwhile authorities have been debating who actually owns the land.

Sevenoaks District Council said it was nothing to do with it and both it and Edenbridge Town Council directed the Courier to Kent County Council.

After two days investigating whether or not it owned the land, Kent County Council decided it did and said: "We have spoken with the police and the parish council and are assured no serious complaints have been made.

"An officer will be visiting the site today (Tuesday) to assess the situation and decide what action needs to be taken."

Kent County Council and police had visited the site separately on Tuesday afternoon.

A county council spokesman said the situation was "very peaceful" and the authority was discussing a date with the Travellers for when they would move on. This was expected to be over the following days.

Police visited the scene on Sunday night after nearby residents complained but said on Tuesday that they could not act until the landowner began civil proceedings to get an order to make the travellers leave.

Nearby residents would not be named, but one woman said: "There's an awful lot of tension in the area about this."

One man said: "There is general concern that they will tear Edenbridge apart."

The land is unoccupied but next to the community centre, which is to open in October, and a development of about 40 houses.

Those sites are currently frequented only by builders and others working on the houses.

Town council clerk Christine Lane said: "The town council was aware there were travellers on the land since Sunday night.

"We informed Sevenoaks District Council and Kent County Council and their Gypsy liaison officers.

"I understand someone reported them to the police the night before."