Fed-up residents have set up a petition to replace a park gate with a fixed barrier to stop unauthorised traveller encampments from setting up.

It is hoped this will prevent vehicles from gaining access to the park opposite Bligh Primary School in Strood.

Residents say every year, caravans gain access through the gate at the bottom of the park.

The aim is to “make the park more secure” by replacing the current gate by a fence or bollards. Click here to view the petition.

It comes after a group of caravans were spotted by the school last week.

The council looks into all the petition it receives – this may include looking into the matter further, considering the petition at a council meeting, or holding a public meeting or consultation.

The local authority said it wants to reduce the accessibility of its parks and open spaces to “trespassers”.

Cllr Tris Osborne, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community safety and enforcement, said: “As part of our 100-day plan, the new administration will be carrying out a full review of security measures at all of Medway’s parks and open spaces; in addition to conversations on dedicated provision.”

“We understand how important our parks are for the health and wellbeing of our residents and the annoyance of trespassing and unauthorised encampments.”

Last year new legislation was brought in to tackle illegal pitches on othe people’s land or in local communitites.

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, police in England and Wales were given new powers to address harms caused by such unauthorised encampments and new guidance was published.

It comes amid a national shortage of gypsy and traveller sites with no plots currently available in Kent.