Traders and community leaders have spoken out about problems they are facing after the return of travellers.

In the latest incident, a number of caravans descended on Beechings Playing Field, Beechings Way, Twydall.

It's the fifth time this month travellers have occupied the field.

This is despite the council erecting barriers around the site in April to prevent them entering.

This time, the group are said to have simply broken through a padlocked gate, last Wednesday.

In the days following their latest arrival, locals say they have struggled with thefts, defecation and confrontation.

At around 4.30pm on Saturday, two girls stole tanning products from a beauticians in Twydall Green.

The business owner, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “I’m absolutely livid, we are not the first they have stolen from and won’t be the last.

“I’m sick of them taking advantage, resulting in small businesses losing out.”

Michelle Beattie, who manages Costa in Goudhurst Road, has also had trouble.

"I'm sick of them taking advantage, resulting in small businesses losing out" - a Twydall shop owner

She has described having to deal with "intimidating behaviour" from customers trying to avoid paying.

She added the neighbouring Spar supermarket had also been targeted by thieves.

Twydall Community Centre chairman Lloyd Glover said: “I think what everyone is frustrated about is that the council put up these barriers round the field, yet they still got in.”

Ward councillors Mark Prenter, Hazel Browne and John Lloyd have created a petition asking the council to put a height restriction on the car park in Beechings Way to stop travellers entering the field.

The petition, which will run until July 17, had 166 people signatories by the time of going to press.

The council’s head of regulatory services, James Brown, said: “We’re following a civil legal process to move the group on as quickly as possible.”

Social media rumours suggest the travellers are in town for a wedding due to be held this week.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway