A council has installed a gate and concrete blocks at a playing field to prevent any unauthorised access.

Workers were seen putting the new enforcement measures in place at Luton Recreation Ground in Chatham yesterday.

The concrete blocks have been lined around the perimeter of the field to act as a deterrent against any anti-social behaviour.

The green is frequented regularly by dog walkers, football teams and children using the play area.

However, it has previously been subjected to unauthorised Traveller encampments with caravans pitching up on the land last summer without express permission to do so.

In June, police were called after a number of vehicles appeared at the site – which were later moved on.

Yesterday morning, around 20 caravans were spotted on the green at Beechings Way Playing Fields in Twydall – another site that has been targeted on several occasions.

Read more: The powers authorities have to stop unauthorised traveller encampments in Kent

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Pictures shared online show the vehicles spread out across the field behind the children’s play park.

A Medway Council spokesperson confirmed yesterday it is following a civil legal process to move them on.

However, the new measures put in place at Luton Rec are not related to any nearby encampments.

Inspector Alan Mullen of Medway’s community safety unit said: “Neighbourhood officers received concerns from local residents regarding persistent antisocial behaviour in the park next to Ash Tree Lane, Luton.

“This included nuisance motor vehicles, drug misuse, excessive noise and incidents of criminal damage.

“This information was passed to Medway Council to identify any measures that could be taken to reduce offending and improve the safety of members of the public who use the park and adjacent roads.”