More gypsies have arrived to join those already encamped on Manor Park. They all intend to move on to the Downs for the Derby, but it has emerged today that the authorities there will not allow this before 29 May - Thursday next week.

Meanwhile Surrey Police are monitoring the situation and Epsom & Ewell Council is applying to the courts for powers to move these travellers on if they do not leave as intended.

It seems that the Gypsies managed to force their way onto the field at Manor Park by cutting through a drop-down bollard, recently installed by the Council to allow easier access for the grass cutting contractors, in place of one of the two concrete bollards originally installed to prevent Gypsy incursions. My colleague Cllr Jonathan Lees will be discussing with council officers how best to prevent future problems.

Gypsies have camped illegally on the field alongside Chertsey Way. They arrived on Thursday, having been moved on elsewhere in the Borough, saying they were going to Sutton.

The Council have ordered them to move, but legally they have to give them 7 days notice. The Police are hoping to persuade them to move sooner.

The travellers say they will go to the Downs on Tuesday for the Derby.