Christchurch council lost an earlier fight to evict the group of travellers

A judge ruled the travellers could stay at their camp in Christchurch, Dorset, for a month to allow Eleanor Berry, 18, to recover after recently giving birth.

But the council says a local hospital has no record of Ms Berry being there.

The move follows talks between the council and police about the camp near Riversmeet leisure centre on Tuesday.

Escalating problem

A council spokeswoman said: "To ensure that the travellers leave the borough next week, a number of measures have been agreed to.

"Direction notices have been served immediately on all vans currently on the site including those vans subject to an order for the removal of 11 vans which have to leave on 1 September.

"This will hopefully ensure the removal of the travellers by Wednesday next week.

"Police are examining their options in regard to action they should take should the travellers fail to move by their September deadline."

District Judge Roger House gave the group permission to stay until 1 September to allow Ms Berry to receive post-natal care.

The council spokeswoman added: "The council was astonished when a judge allowed the original encampment of 11 vans to remain until 1 September for 'humanitarian reasons' as the court was told by the travellers' spokesperson that a young woman had recently given birth and required care from midwives.

"This is now disputed and the council has raised concerns about this with the police."

The local authority is now planning to undertake a review of all council car parks and open spaces.