A rugby coach claims travellers who set up pitches at his club last week have had a "devastating" effect.

The group gained access to the Waltham Forest Council-owned land overnight on Thursday and replaced the padlock chain with their own.

But enforcement action was taken within 24 hours. 

The land, consisting of two pitches in Waltham Way, Chingford, is rented by Chingford Rugby Club and regularly used by children and young adults for training sessions. 

Six caravans were parked at the site, with half remaining after the group were served with an eviction notice on Friday afternoon. 

Council security guards are stationed at the site to prevent further unauthorised access. 

Chingford Rugby Club member and coach of thirty years, Steve Smith, of Waltham Way, said the club had to cancel its three youth training sessions on Sunday. 

He added: "What they’ve done is devastating.  

"There's rubbish on the pitches, faeces, and parents don't want to bring their kids down because of the waste. 

"It's our rugby club, yet our hands are tied. We need new laws and more powers in place to get them out."  

The council has said it is preparing documents to appeal to magistrates for an order to remove the group.   

For more on this story, see this week's Guardian - out Thursday