A group of travellers have once again pitched up on Woolwich Common.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation issued a statement yesterday (March 11) saying they were "aware of the presence of a group of travellers on Woolwich Common."

The government department said they were now working with Greenwich Council to issue an enforcement notice to remove the travellers from the area by the end of the week.

The group reportedly gained access via the gate on Ha Ha Road.

The volunteer group Friends of Woolwich Common also reported the travellers, stressing that travellers had previously left piles of garden and household waste, costing thousands of pounds to clear.

Back in August last year, Greenwich Council and the Ministry of Defence had to intervene to move on a group of travellers occupying land on Woolwich Common.

Friends of Woolwich Common also hit out then, saying wildlife was being destroyed and locals intimidated.

"The disrespect the travellers have shown on the common since they settled a week ago is quite staggering."

The group were there from late July until they were issued with a notice to vacate on August 1, which the travellers heeded.

Back in August, Greenwich Council did say it had intervened and offered legal support due to "concerns raised by the local community," and that is would also work to prevent the situation from happening again.