Irish travellers have set up home on a town centre car park.

Eight caravans pulled into the council-owned site in Kings Road, Herne Bay, last night and told a reporter this morning: “This is our home now.”

The vehicles, which all have Irish registration plates, have parked around the perimeter of the plot, which is set to house a new Aldi supermarket.

The council and police have been alerted.

Town centre councillor Andrew Cook, who was walking his dog this morning and saw the caravans arrive last night, said: “It was reported to the council yesterday.

“They arrived at around 7pm. I saw one go in and then a convoy of six caravans drove down Station Road and arrived there together. I contacted the council straight away.”

He added he was told the travellers intend to only stay for two days, but one said today: “This is our home now. We bought it from the council.”