A group of travellers has pitched up at the country park after moving on from another public site less than a mile away.

The group of around 30 vehicles parked up on the field at the Holy Trinity Church end of Milton Creek Country Park in Sittingbourne around 6pm yesterday (June 1).

They have moved on from nearby Milton Regis Recreation Ground, where they had been since Monday, May 26.

It was the second time travellers had visited that park in a month.

A Swale council spokesman said: “The council is aware of the situation and is taking appropriate action.”

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Residents have lashed out on social media, where they have claimed the travellers have left behind rubbish at the park.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, told KentOnline how he felt the situation was “disgraceful”.

The 32-year-old said: “I'm in the right mind to pick up all the rubbish and dump it by their caravans.

“There have been reports of people's fences and gates being damaged as well.

“Something needs to be done, whether it be a dirt mound set along the entire perimeter of the field or bollards.”

A 40-year-old resident, who also did not want to be identified, said: “The mess they left was absolutely disgusting.

“There was litter all over the whole Rec. There was human and dog mess, dirty tissues, food, bottles, cans, glass and more.”

Another, who also withheld their name, said: “It's a disgrace. Some litter has been put in bags, but none have been tied up, so dogs and birds have been in at them.

“Also, criminal damage has been done to a neighbour's fence.”

One persxon posted online: “Shout out to the person trying to clean up Milton Rec after the caravans moved on. Swale council did provide bins ,but our lovely local kids pused them all over and the foxes had a good feast.”

Meanwhile, another posted on social media how she had picked up six bags worth of rubbish and saw other people fix broken fences.

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Cllr Kieran Mishchuk, who represents Milton Regis on Swale council, said: “I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped to clear up the rubbish from the rec this evening.

“Swale's environmental team came to clear up all the rubbish from the Recreation Ground.

“I'm pleased to say that it can now be used by residents as a park again! Myself and Cllr [Tony] Winckless are going to try to get some posts erected around the perimeter as quickly as possible.

“I'm aware that the travellers have now moved onto the country park, after taking advantage of the open gates for the event there today.

“I'll do my best to see if they can be moved on quickly, since we know they are the same group.”

Milton Creek has been awarded a Green Flag for the last two years, a scheme which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.