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Travellers pitch up in Hartley village after leaving Swanley

Around half a dozen travellers have pitched up next to a village’s main road.

Seven caravans have been spotted parked on the green between Ash Road and Hoselands View in Hartley.

Travellers have been spotted pitching up in Ash Road, Hartley
Travellers have been spotted pitching up in Ash Road, Hartley
It’s thought the group have moved from an encampment in Swanley
It’s thought the group have moved from an encampment in Swanley

Residents can hear dog barking earlier this afternoon and people from the site walking around.

One witness described seeing multiple gas canisters on the grass near the caravans and other household items on the floor.

A resident, who didn’t want to be named, said: "It's not good. They are going to be up to all sorts. The grass is going to be churned up and ruined. They'll be human excrement. Rubbish."

It’s thought the travellers have come from leaving Swanley earlier in the week.

Yesterday morning, Sevenoaks and Swanley MP Laura Trott said: “I am delighted to share that the travellers who were occupying land at Swanley Rec have now all left.

“Thank you to Swanley Town Council, Sevenoaks council, PCC Matthew Scott for their quick response to the encampment; and to Kent Police who have acted professionally and efficiently in dealing with this matter, and ensured the caravans moved on.”

Around seven caravans have been spotted in the village
Around seven caravans have been spotted in the village

The Conservative MP says she has told her fellow Tory, MP Gareth Johnson, about the encampment in Hartley as it falls under his constituency.

Police have said the land owner is dealing with the issue.

A Sevenoaks council spokesman said: “We are aware that travellers are currently on land owned by Hartley Parish Council. They will be served with notices to move off the land today.”

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