More caravans have moved onto a privately-owned plot of greenbelt land in the last 24 hours. 

There are now five caravans, two cars and a transit van currently parked on the Chepping Hall site in Sewardstone Road, Chingford, after more vehicles arrived yesterday afternoon. 

Property developer Graeme Alexander bought the land from Waltham Forest council a decade ago and had set out to plans to develop the site into affordable or social housing but the council has admitted there are "significant barriers" to any development on the site. 

Members of the travelling community have told the Guardian they did not illegally trespass onto the private land as one of the gates "was broken", although residents say the gate was unbolted from the hinges.   

One woman, said: "There was no breaking and entering.

"There was no lock and the gate was broken. 

"We have told the landowner we will pick up our own rubbish and we will not fly-tip. 

"The two more caravans are part of this family. 

"No more travellers are coming - this is it. 

"We expect to stay for one or two weeks more."

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The gate where travellers access the site last night and three weeks ago when they first arrived 

To prevent the travellers expanding along Sewardstone Road, the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) has dug a trench on land to the left of the site. 

Green spaces manager of the LVRPA, Alex Farris, said it was created as a barrier.

He said: "A ditch along the perimeter of Sewardstone Paddock was created as a barrier between the site and an illegal encampment, which has been set up on neighbouring land.

"We took this emergency measure to deter any vehicle entry from the encampment and inhibit any detrimental impact to the land.

"We would like to assure residents that the conservation of this, and all open spaces across Lee Valley Regional Park’s 10,000 acres is our top priority, ensuring the Lee Valley can be enjoyed by all visitors.

"Should these incidents continue, we will investigate a more permanent solution, ensuring the least amount of inconvenience to residents and limiting any potential disruption to wildlife."

Gates to the public car park at the Gunpowder Park in Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, were closed following reports the travellers were to move on. 

A 24-year-old Sewardstone Gardens resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "He (owner) needs to get rid of them. 

"My main concern is the fires they are burning and the liberty of more and more getting on. 

"They haven't caused any grief, it's just an eyesore."

Jean Hollingsworth, 80, also of Sewardstone Gardens, added: "Three or four cars, a van and a motorhome arrived last night. 

"I give them their due, they have been quiet but it's not on for them to do as they like. 

"The site is an eysore. It's disgusting and you wouldn't believe the mess that gets left behind. 

"I bet my life some more will come."

Mr Alexander has been contacted for a comment. 

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