A GROUP of French travellers who have descended on a Worcester car park have been warned by police they must leave within 24 hours of their arrival.

Eight caravans arrived at The Moors car park near the Swan Theatre by Pitchcroft at around 1pm.

A council spokesman said: “Worcester City Council has served directions to leave on each of the eight travellers’ caravans currently parked on The Moors car park.

“The travellers, who are all French-speaking, have been on the council owned car park beside the Swan Theatre since 1pm.

“Council officers have concluded that there is no reason why the travellers should not move on.

“If the directions to leave are not complied with within 24 hours, we will seek a court listing.

“If the case goes to court we will be seeking compensation for the loss of earnings at this pay and display car park.

“We are liaising with the police and Worcestershire County Council on the handling of this matter.”

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said Sgt Carl Jones, a policing sergeant for Cathedral ward, spoke to the travellers in French telling them that Worcester City Council is obliged to serve a notice on them to leave.

He said: “They have said they intend to move on in the next few days.”

The travellers, who spoke some English, said they were here from Strasbourg in France and had come for work, specifically to sharpen tools.

One of the men, who would not be named, said: “I like England. I also like Scotland and Wales.”