THE INVADERS Fear as travellers take over in St Peter's

The temporary camp sprung up on a pedestrian and cycle path alongside Broomhall Way, St Peter's, at around 1.45pm yesterday.

The travellers, who arrived from Northampton in cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles towing six caravans, said they planned to move on "at the weekend".

Four of the group had lunch at the nearby Ketch pub, before the police arrived and urged them to leave the site.

However, officers said there had been "no trouble" and they had received no serious complaints.

Worcester City Council, which owns the land, is now trying to obtain an eviction order through the courts.

Christine and Robin Jones, who are retired and live in Tansy Close, just yards from the camp, said nearby residents - many of them elderly - were worried about the travellers.

"We have been here 14 years and have never seen anything likeit," said Mrs Jones."There's only a low hedge between us and we're just not used to it. It's all pensioners down here so we feel a bit vulnerable, especially at night.

"Where will they get clean water from, and what about going to the toilet? It's worrying."

St Peter's city councillor Roger Knight was frustrated by the situation, and concerned by the "filth" the travellers would leave behind them.

Greenbelt asset

"The greenbelt is an asset to the community and it's a disgrace that these people can drive across pavements and grass - one resident even had to jump out of the way," he said.

"If I drove across the grass to have a picnic I would be arrested but they know their rights and they get away with it. It's frustrating."

The police said they would only intervene if serious criminal or anti-social behaviour occurred.

Social matters

"Situations involving travellers are social and community matters and not solely the responsibility of the police," said a spokesman for South Worcestershire Police.

"We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and work with our partners to amicably resolve the situation."