AN injunction to force a group of travellers to leave land near Eckington has been successful.

Wychavon District Council's application was dealt with by the High Court in London.

The council served the notice earlier last month, after it started work on constructing a hard surface for a dozen caravans on a field near Eckington.

Work began on the site in May, even though planning permission had not been granted.

Although the injunction has been granted, it has been suspended pending the outcome of the planning appeal process.

The judge also ordered that the planning process be pursued "expeditiously", and no further caravans, vehicles, plant or machinery be brought on to the land, and no further work should be carried out.

"We are delighted to get this injunction even though there is a stay while we are going through the planning process," said Councillor Adrian Hardman.

The application was dealt with on Tuesday.