Travellers are fighting to expand the site at Smithy Fen

More than a dozen are appealing after South Cambridgeshire Council refused permission for new plots on traveller-owned land at Smithy Fen, Cottenham.

Villagers have told the resumed inquiry they had been victims of anti-social behaviour and "appalling" intimidation.

The inquiry is due to end on Friday and the inspector is expected to make his recommendations next year.

Giving evidence on Wednesday, Janet Grimwood, secretary of a residents' association in Meldreth, Cambs, revealed the problems the village had suffered when a council-run site had operated on the edge of the village between 1989 and 1996.

Deep fear

"We were subjected to the same reign of terror (as Cottenham)," said Mrs Grimwood.

"If a few families want to cause disruption in a village there is very little anyone can do."

That site was closed by the council in 1996.

Cottenham Residents' Association representative Rick Bristow has told the resumed inquiry, which was adjourned in July, that residents had endured incidents which had created a long-lasting and deep fear in the village.

Other residents also spoke of the impact that the travellers had on their lives.

Jacqueline Smith, who lives just down the road from the Smithy Fen site, said her "heaven had become hell" overnight.

I am more frightened of what the future holds if I don't stand up for my rights Jacqueline Smith

The original travellers, she said, were replaced by new ones and when the unlawful and anti-social behaviour began she realised residents were on their own because neither the district council nor the police would help them.

She said: "Many of the villagers and neighbours have suffered too but are too frightened to give evidence.

"I am also fearful but I am more frightened of what the future holds if I don't stand up for my rights."

A travellers' site has existed at Smithy Fen for 40 years, housing around between 30 and 40 families.

Over the past year scores more have arrived and set up camp illegally and residents claim the problem of anti-social behaviour has grown.

In a separate action earlier this month the travellers won the right to take High Court action over the council's plans to evict them.