Travellers who have set up camp in High Wycombe havebeen asked to move on by Sunday, despite being on the council-owned land since the beginning of the week.

The group moved onto Wycombe District Council-owned land on Totteridge Lane, near to the Beech Tree Pub, on Monday, August 15.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing around 15 caravans leaving the M40 at junction 3 (Loudwater) at around 8pm that evening, with police arriving at their Totteridge Lane camp at around 8.30pm.

Between 15 and 20 caravans are spread out across the grass area on Totteridge Lane, with young children spotted running around and vans parked up.

Earlier this week, WDC confirmed they were aware of the traveller camp and are working with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Gypsy and Traveller Service, who are overseeing the situation on their behalf.

And now Thames Valley Police has confirmed that Wycombe District Council have requested the travellers leave the land by Sunday.

The group has also been issued code of conduct notices, according to police.

Earlier this week, a spokesman from Oxfordshire County Council, where the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Gypsy and Traveller Service is based, said there is a "process" to follow

He said: "The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Gypsy and Traveller Service have an established process that they follow when responding to new, unauthorised encampments.

“Initially they will make contact with the travellers and establish their intentions. We encourage the travellers to make sure that no damage is done to the area where they are camped and to clear up any rubbish.

“We also advise on the measures we could take to have them moved. Most travellers will leave the area voluntarily after a short period. If necessary we can and will take formal action to require the travellers to leave the area.

"However, this process takes time to complete due to legal requirements. In most cases this is unnecessary."