A councillor says he is "appalled" by heaps of fly-tipping that have appeared after travellers turned up at a former driving range.

Three Rivers District Council says it is aware of an encampment of seven caravans and a mobile home in Prestwick Road, South Oxhey.

The group arrived on Sunday evening, and despite suggestions they would be leaving by midday today (Wednesday) the travellers remain on site.

A concrete block preventing access to the site was dragged to one side using a vehicle, allowing the group to get onto the land, which is leased from the council.

Watford Observer:

This block was dragged out of the way

Since the travellers arrived, a large amount of rubbish including boxes, bags, and furniture, has been dumped in a corner of the site.

An onlooker said they saw a vehicle dropping off the rubbish earlier this week.

Oxhey Hall & Hayling ward councillor Andrew Scarth says that part of the site was clear before they arrived.

Watford Observer:

Rubbish in the corner of the site which appeared this week

He added that the padlock that had been on the gate has been replaced with a new one on the inside.

Cllr Scarth said: "I have spoken to the travellers on two occasions. I have urged them to move off this private property and I said I was appalled at the amount of flytipping.

"We understand the concerns of the community and we are keen to move them on and out of the district."

The council has no legal powers to move the travellers on. It is the leaseholder's responsibility, and not the council, to take the legal action necessary to move on the travellers, but the council is believed to have given advice and guidance to the leaseholder.

South Oxhey Labour ward councillors Stephen and Joan King visited the site on Sunday, with police arriving shortly afterwards. Colleague Cllr Steve Cox says he has been in discussions with the council about any updates on the encampment.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has been approached for comment.