Residents are calling for more action after claims work is progressing illegally in woodland.

Work at Fowler's Stone Wood at Vigo was first reported in April last year, and a Temporary Stop Notice (TSN) was issued requiring the work to cease in the woodland, which is subject to a blanket tree preservation order.

Despite visits from officers and a High Court injunction being served to stop tree felling, calls for action have grown louder following the appearance of a new road.

Cllr Ejaz Aslam, ward councillor for Meopham South and Vigo and deputy leader of Gravesham's Conservative Group, claims evidence of work at the site includes tree-felling, road laying, new fences and the erection of a mobile building. He said the council needed to answer questions over the lack of action.

He claimed heavy machinery had been brought onto the site over the summer.

He said. "It looks as though they may wish to make a permanent settlement. Obviously the residents are up in arms.

"We have continued to put pressure on officers to take action. The frustrating thing as far as the residents are concerned is it's taking such a long time for action to be taken.

"Residents are distraught and disappointed with the council and the lack of information coming from the council. I've been doing my best to help the residents voice their concerns and contacting any agency in the council I can - anti-social behaviour, environmental health, planning.

"The planning department has been taking action but why is there such a delay?

"The council has a policy of hearing and empowering residents. The lack of direct communication from the control group is disgusting."

The injunction prevents development on the site.

Kevin Burbidge, director of planning and development at Gravesham council, said: “We are aware of activity at Fowler's Stone Wood and are investigating further.

“The land in question is subject of an injunction obtained last year and we are obtaining evidence in order to make an application to court for a committal as a result of failure to comply with that injunction.

“Once our application is at court, we will seek to get it heard as a matter of urgency, but that is, of course, outside of our control."

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