Travellers occupying 22 sites are launching a new legal challenge

A deadline for travellers to vacate 22 illegal plots at Smithy Fen, Cottenham, expired at midnight on Monday.

The move will give the travellers another week at the site, but taxpayers fear the cost of the eviction campaign will top �1m as a result.

South Cambridgeshire District Council still hope they will comply with the terms of the enforcement notice.

A council spokesperson said: "A representative for the travellers has mounted a legal challenge, which allows a further week for them to leave the site.

Direct action cost fears

"Planning officers would continue to check on the site throughout the week."

On Thursday, councillors will consider a confidential report on the costs of direct action to move the illegally camped travellers off the site.

The total bill includes removal of the caravans and hard standing, plus associated drainage, water and electricity installations from the plots.

As well as the 22 pitches affected by the enforcement notice, the council is also trying to evict travellers from another 13 plots at Smithy Fen.

These are the subject of a planning enquiry and the council's legal bill is already approaching �133,000. Campaigners in Cottenham fear the final tally could be close to �1m.

Some residents threatened to withhold their council tax earlier this year in protest at the council's failure to evict the travellers.