POLICE are calling for the lay-bys which attract hundreds of travellers every year into Beaconsfield to be closed down for good.

Around 70 vehicles, including more than 30 caravans, have moved into the three lay-by problem spots on the A355, near Beaconsfield.

But since the travellers moved there on Sunday, police say their hands are tied and they cannot move them on as it is Buckinghamshire County Council's responsibility to remove them from the highways.

Sergeant Gerry Lister, based at Beaconsfield Police Station, is all too aware of the problems suffered in the past when travellers moved on to the land.

He told the Free Press: "Last time this happened there was trash everywhere, rats, human faeces and even a caravan sawn in half.

"It was absolutely disgusting but we do not have the power to move them from there even though we know what most of the residents in Beaconsfield want."

He said that under Section 61, of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, relating to police powers for removing travellers from private land, they are "restricted in the action they can take".

But a spokesman for the county council said on Monday that they had given the travellers two days' grace.

He said: "We sent an officer to speak to the travellers and they asked if they could stay there for a couple of days.

"We are monitoring the situation and will review the position again before taking any legal action.

"It is very much a balancing act because if they are not on there they could move on to private land."