The students are becoming bored staying in their caravans

More than 100 workers have arrived to pick strawberries at Brierley Court Farm, near Leominster, and had expected basic facilities including satellite television, telephone and a shop.

But they have been caught in the crossfire of a feud between their employer and local councillors which has seen plans to develop the strawberry fields shelved.

Leopold Belinski, 20, an engineering student from Latvia, said: "I think they are very good conditions and I was very happy when I saw it and called my mum.

"But I did want an internet cafe to send home messages because I can't buy mobile phone cards to call every day, also some shops, a disco, billiards, I want to relax."

And Lithuanian Audrius Simkus, 21, said: "I feel like there is no civilization, I don't have TV, just two channels and no telephone, no entertainment centre, I feel we are missing out."

They should understand all of the students and workers who are here who hoped to have all the facilities and the possibility to work and have a good time here Andrey Lutay, Ukraine student

He said he did not understand why the council had rejected a planning application for the complex, which would have catered for around 1,000 workers living in caravans who are already on the site.

"I don't think they are bad people, they don't understand us, all we want is to live like normal people," he said.

His employer, Graham Neal, boss of S&A Produce, has taken his fight for the village all the way to the High Court, although a judge backed a temporary ban on building work at the site on Friday.

Andrey Lutay, 20, from the Ukraine, hopes to work in agriculture and said: "It's very good experience to spend time on this farm, I think it will help my future life and professional work."

But he said he was shocked at the lack of local government support and understanding for Mr Neal's plans.

"In our country when one person wants to make a very good deal, to give some workplaces to other people it is always very useful and necessary for our society. I think this is the same not just for the Ukraine but for the UK as well.

You have to enjoy this life and the people around you, it doesn't matter what nationality they are or how much the person can earn Polina Davidenko, Latvian student

"I do not think they are right, they should understand us and understand all of the students and workers who are here who hoped to have all the facilities and the possibility to work and have a good time here.

"I am very upset and very surprised because I thought England was a country which helps their businessmen to earn money and to help other people to earn money and I hope my opinion will not change in the future."

The plans for the village were revealed in February but some residents living near the farm have mounted vocal protests against its size, locations and the fact that work started before permission was granted.

Friends Anastasya Tamane, 18, and Polina Davidenko, 20, both from Latvia, said they did not understand the opposition from some people.

"We don't understand because people in Leominster, Brierley and Hereford they are always laughing and smiling and helping us, we don't know why these people don't want to help us."

Polina said they could have found work in the United States or Australia but chose Britain because of its history, culture and the people.

She said: "You have to enjoy this life and the people around you, it doesn't matter what nationality they are or how much the person can earn.