A FAMILY of travellers from France who pitched up in a Worcester car park have been told to leave – despite using the pay-and-display machines.

About 13 luxurious caravans arrived at Moor Street car park, near the Swan Theatre, at about 1.30pm on Saturday.

The group boasts a number of modifed sports cars including BMWs and Mercedes, with most of the men wearing expensive-looking suits.

West Mercia Police said there have been no reports of any trouble caused by the travellers, who are in Worcester for a week’s holiday.

James Dsmon, aged 32, said his family have travelled from Paris.

“We thought Worcester looked like a nice place so we have come just for a holiday,” he said.

“There are about 20 of us, all from the same family.

“We have met with the police and the council and they have no problem. We are paying to stay here.

“It is our first time in Worcester and it is very nice.”

Mr Dsmon said they will head to London at the end of the week.

A spokesman from Worcester City Council said they served directions to leave notices on each of the 13 caravans last night as it is illegal to park caravans in the car park.

He said it is believed pay-and-display tickets were bought on the day the travellers arrived but not since.

“Council officers have carried out a welfare visit and have concluded there is no reason why the travellers should not move on,” he said.

“If the directions to leave are not complied with within 24 hours, we will seek a court listing.

“If the case does go to court we will be seeking compensation for the loss of earnings.

“We are liaising with the police and Worcestershire County Council on the handling of this matter.”

A spokesman from West Mercia Police said: “The local policing team for the area has visited them a number of times and there have been no reported incidents linked to the group.

“The group is believed to have travelled to Worcester from further north where there were no incidents reported linked to them.

“Police will continue to visit the site.”