SCORES of travellers in Droitwich Spa are refusing to move from their latest pitch - despite being served with a repossession order.

The travellers were given until today to leave a field owned by the Chateau Impney hotel, off the Bromsgrove Road (A38) in Dodderhill.

But as the Evening News went to press this morning, dozens of caravans, cars, trailers and horses still occupied the site.

Their decision to stand firm has highlighted the problems faced by authorities such as the police and councils in moving on trespassers.

"Police powers are somewhat draconian where travellers are concerned and as a result we have to follow a number of Home Office guidelines in situations such as this," said Insp Steve Brooker.

"We do have powers under the Public Order Act to move people on, but these are used as a last resort.

"And when we do use them, we are then faced with a number of other problems. First of all, where do we move them on to, and secondly, if we confiscate their caravans and other vehicles, as we are able to under the Public Order Act, what do we do with the women and children we make homeless.

"A lot of people seem to think there is a simple solution to all this, but there isn't."

Residents and businesses in Droitwich Spa have been up in arms over the presence of the travellers, who were previously based at the Hampton Lovett Industrial Estate.

It was there that they hit the headlines after leaving a trail of destruction estimated at tens of thousands of pounds.

Human excrement and litter were left scattered around businesses in Wassage Way.

The presence of the traveller's has attracted the attention of Wychavon district councillor Andrew Christian-Brookes (Con - Lovett and North Claines).

Mr Christian-Brookes, who has been inundated with letters and calls from annoyed constituents, has urged the Government to step in to take action.

"The Government is in the middle of a consultation period on what to do about unauthorised camping.

"This is a good opportunity to give greater powers to the police to protect the local settled community.

"At the moment we are all paying council tax but the rights of the travellers seem to have a greater priority and they are paying nothing.

"Something needs to be done, and quickly. After all, this is not just a problem in Worcestershire. Thousands of people across the country are affected every day."

Robin Carr, director of the Chateau Impney, said: "We're reviewing the situation."