Travellers occupying 22 sites have launched a legal challenge

They had until midnight on 1 November to leave the Smithy Fen site in Cambs where they set up 22 illegal plots.

The order prevents South Cambridgeshire District Council taking action until a hearing takes place.

Daphne Spink, the leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council said the process is being slowed down.

Frustrating for residents

"They've put in an interim injunction to stop the action until the judicial review is heard which will be sometime next week.

"So it is very frustrating for everybody in Cottenham but we have to go through the legal process and we're welcoming the opportunity to explain our position to the judge," she commented.

Appeal court judges ruled last month that the council was entitled to evict the travellers because the 22 plots did not have planning permission.

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

A travellers' site has existed near Cottenham for 40 years.

Only 33 caravans have the right to remain.

The travellers claim they were not consulted properly about the eviction notice.