An eviction notice will be served to a large caravan camp which surrounded a children’s playground in Reading, a councillor said.

A group of at least 18 caravans and 14 cars and vans occupying Arthur Newbery Park, Tilehurst, will have until tomorrow to leave the site, according to Kentwood representative Cllr Raj Singh.

Aerial photographs taken by drone operator Tony McGinn show the size of the encampment at 7am this morning (August 3).

Cllr Singh said in a statement: "The park is used by young kids for sports activities during the summer holidays and the dog walkers which now fully taken over by the caravans.

READ MORE: Seven children in Reading schools excluded over Covid rules

"The local residents reported vandalism and environmental damage in the park, and local businesses are impacted.

"The surrounding area of the park has elderly residents who feel vulnerable, anxious, frustrated with the situation and stayed awake last night."

READ MORE: Reading taxi fare price rise approved after fuel cost hike

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said earlier this morning that officers will visit the site today and carry out an assessment

They said the council would start legal proceedings to recover possession of the land.

"Officers are working with Thames Valley Police to monitor this encampment and agree the most appropriate course of action to take swift action to remove it," they said.