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Travellers arrive at Radnor Park in Folkestone

Just two caravans remain in a town centre park after travellers were issued with a time limit to leave the council-owned land.

The mobile homes pitched up at the lower end of Radnor Park in Folkestone, close to the Royal Victoria Hospital, overnight on Friday.

It is thought that they are heading to open space in Hawkinge, but this has not been confirmed.

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Travellers have arrived in Folkestone
Travellers have arrived in Folkestone

One fisherman, who uses the lake in Lower Radnor Park, said it was not the first time travellers had used Radnor Park as a place to stop.

The man, who did not want to be named, feared that the travellers would leave their rubbish behind when they left.

It was reported that dogs were seen running around and there were also gas canisters and a chainsaw.

Yesterday, the caravans were still in the same position.

There were just six caravans present at 4pm on Monday
There were just six caravans present at 4pm on Monday

Council officers paid them a visit that morning and gave them a time limit to move off the premises.

At 4pm yesterday, Radnor Park seemed quiet and unaffected by their presence.

There were only six caravans at this point.

Children were still using the ground to play football during the half term and none of the caravan’s occupants were in.

All that could be seen were plastic chairs, along with some washing and bin liners full of rubbish.

There was also a small dog kennel that had been left out.

One of the tipper trucks was full with debris.

Cllr David Monk, leader of Shepway District Council said: "Our officers have visited the traveller encampment that has been set up on Radnor Park.

VIDEO: Travellers have been told to move on from the site at Radnor Park

"As this is an unauthorised encampment on council land, we have issued a removal direction and have asked the travellers to leave the site by 1pm on Tuesday as they are trespassing.

"If the trespassers do not leave, they commit an offence and we will obtain a Removal Order from the local Magistrates Court.

"If the Order is not complied with, any vehicles will be towed off Radnor Park.

"The police will only attend to prevent any disturbance to the peace.”

It is understood the order kicked in at 1pm today, but the travellers have 24 hours to move from then.

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