A group of travellers occupying a slice of land in Surbiton have challenged the land-owner's right to evict them.

St George's NHS Mental Health Trust took action at Kingston County Court to seek possession of land at 21 Upper Brighton Road soon after the travellers moved in.

But at a May 9 hearing, travellers occupying the premises instructed lawyers to challenge the trust's decision to seek possession of its property.

Afterwards the trust sent a briefing to residents stating that possession proceedings were on hold because of a public law challenge by the travellers.

A trust spokesman told the Comet: "We are actively considering making a new decision regarding the unlawful occupation of our property to comply with any duties applicable to the trust as a public body.

"As part of this process, the trust is asking residents, the travellers, Kingston Borough Council and the police to make representations on relevant issues such as the educational, health and safety, and welfare needs of the travellers plus health and safety issues relating to residents. This process responds to arguments made on behalf of the travellers that we failed to take such issues into account when we made application for possession."

The deadline for representations to be received has now expired, and the trust said it is acting as quickly as possible to resolve the situation.

One disgruntled local resident, who does not want to be named, said: "It is not right that travellers are getting the site free while we pay high council taxes."

ygordon@london.newsquest.co.uk