Police called as Travellers’ group move on to land by Manston Tesco

The Travellers' group has moved on to land by The Beacon Photo Clare Benson

A group of Travellers have moved on to land next to Tesco in Manston Road, Ramsgate.

Nearby residents say a large convoy has made its way onto private land, close to The Beacon, and was causing traffic gridlock this afternoon (February 23).

Police have been called to the site but it may need a court order to move the group on. One witness said the group had used mini-diggers to remove concrete posts blocking entry to the site.

For privately-owned land the landowner can attempt to agree a leaving date with the travellers or take proceedings in the County Court under the Civil Procedures Rules 1998 to obtain a court order for their eviction as trespassers.

An encampment was moved on from land near Manston airport earlier this week and had temporarily moved onto the airport site.

Smart Planning Ltd has submitted an application to build 48 properties on the site.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police was called after a number of caravans entered private land at Manston Road, Ramsgate earlier today. A fence was reportedly damaged but there were no other offences reported. Kent Police has informed Thanet District Council and the land owner.”