Barriers to stop more travellers illegally camping on housing estates in Sittingbourne could be installed, the council has said.

Legal action had to be taken to remove a group who set up an unauthorised camp at Sonora Fields last week.

A total of 30 caravans were parked on land off Argent Way. Swale council revealed the cost of the clean-up came to £500.

They started arriving on Tuesday afternoon and witnesses reported seeing up to seven police cars at the site soon afterwards.

The next day, the group was issued a legal notice by police and the council ordered them to move by 9am on Friday.

All of the people and caravans had left by lunchtime on Friday, although residents said they briefly moved to land opposite Bobbing McDonald’s.

The RSPCA also confirmed it was looking into reports of a starving horse and wants anyone with information to contact its appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

The green space at Sonora Fields has since been extensively cleaned and has reopened to be enjoyed by local people and the council is looking at future deterrents.

A spokesman said: “We are considering options and ideas to try to reduce the risk of it happening again, while still allowing access for maintenance of the area.”

They added the council was considering physical options such as barriers.

Cllr James Hunt, who represents The Meads, said he was discussing ideas with officers.

He said: “We need something that stops vehicles driving on to open spaces but I want to ensure whatever is decided on is also aesthetically pleasing.

“It will be easy to put up metal fencing but it wouldn’t look good.

“There are options of strategically placed trees or small earth bunds sown with wildflowers.

“All options need to be looked at and funding also considered.

“It may be something that needs to be considered across all council-owned open spaces.”

Anyone concerned about travellers can contact the council on 01795 417 850 or the police on 101.