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Caravans set up at Aylesford Rugby Club weeks after Ferryfield Rec barricade

Travellers have set up at a rugby club next to land Aylesford Parish Council had tried to block from encampments.

Up to eight caravans moved onto land Aylesford Rugby Club, off Hall Road, on Thursday evening.

It comes a week after it was revealed the parish council tried to block any unauthorised access to nearby Ferryfield Recreation Ground in Station Road with giant concrete blocks.

Caravans have set up at Aylesford Bulls RFC off Hall Road
Caravans have set up at Aylesford Bulls RFC off Hall Road

Parish clerk Neil Harris described the encampment as "frustrating", adding the authority is discussing the matter with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

"The rec is still protected but it looks as though they are staying at the rugby club."

An application to move the caravans has been put in and Kent Police has also been informed.

Aylesford Bulls RFC posted via Facebook: "While we appreciate it is very concerning for local residents pleas be aware we are spending every single minute we can working toward a satisfactory end.

"The safety of the public and staff has to be our first priority."

Concrete blocks have been put in front of the gate at Ferryfield Recreation Ground
Concrete blocks have been put in front of the gate at Ferryfield Recreation Ground

A spokesperson from Kent Police said: "We were called at around 8.30pm on Thursday, regarding the arrival of caravans on land in Hall Road, Aylesford.

"The matter is being dealt with by the parish council who own the land, in line with their policy on unauthorised encampments."

Just around the corner from the club's entrance, concrete blocks are still in place outside Ferryfield Recreation Ground in Station Road.

The parish council moved the blocks in after the entrance gate was damaged.

Adrian Stanfield, director of central services for Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, said: "We are aware of the unauthorised encampment at Aylesford Rugby Club and we are working with the parish council, who own the land, and Kent Police in line with the parish council’s usual policy regarding such encampments."

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