Travellers who forced their way into an abandoned garage and set up camp have been met by mixed reaction from business owners in the area.

Four caravans arrived earlier this month in the site which used to be The Tyre Centre on the corner of Chingford Mount Road and Higham Station Avenue in Chingford.

Reports on social media suggest the group rammed the gates of the garage which ceased trading three months ago and gained entry using a circular saw.

One man who works in a nearby garage and gave his name as Laurence said: “I think it’s annoying everybody really and everybody is getting a bit worried.

“They have been there for about two weeks. We are worried about break-ins and the boss told us to make sure everything is secure.

“They broke the padlock and chain off the gate so a padlock is not enough anymore.”

But Lee Chisholm, manager of Chingford Glass opposite the site said he feels pity for the traveller families living in caravans during the winter and doesn’t mind if they remain on the site long-term.

“To be honest they are not a problem and they’re not bothering me in any way,” he said.

“At the end of the day I’m not going to make a fuss about them being there if they are not causing any trouble. If the sight of four caravans is offending people there’s not much I can do about it but if people are coming around to have a nosey and they happen to come into my shop it will be good for my business.

“They must have broken into the site which is a criminal offence but they’re not causing me any hassle. I’ve got a lot of friends who are travellers and I meet them at a boxing club and they are always polite.

“It’s just the way they live. It’s their preference and I have nothing against them. They are victims living over there freezing in the caravans and I feel sorry for them. I have got bigger problems and the country has bigger problems to worry about than travellers.”

Waltham Forest Police and Waltham Forest Council have been contacted for comment.