Travellers converge on city

A convoy of 28 caravans has arrived in Canterbury adding to the city’s traveller – and parking – problems.

Horrified residents woke on Wednesday to find land and car parks close to their homes had been invaded.

Caravans appeared overnight at St Radigund’s, Kingsmead swimming pool, Sturry Road and Pine Tree Avenue. Kentish Gazette January 5, 1990

One angry resident, who declined to be named, said: “As soon as we get rid of one lot another lot appears. They seem to think they can go anywhere they like.”

A police spokesman said he believed the travellers were from Medway, but was mystified as to why they had come to Canterbury.

A city council spokesman said the new travellers on the car park at Kingsmead told council officials they would be leaving for Bristol within a few days.

The council is starting procedures for an eviction order.

Other travellers evicted in December from Crown-owned land in Military Road moved behind the city council offices also in Military Road, but left within a week.