BAILIFFS could be hired to evict two groups of travellers who have settled in parts of south east Ipswich, it was revealed today.A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said the authority's legal department had issued proceedings to remove the groups.

BAILIFFS could be hired to evict two groups of travellers who have settled in parts of south east Ipswich, it was revealed today.

A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said the authority's legal department had issued proceedings to remove the groups.

Around five caravans parked up on a patch of heath land between the Ravenswood estate and Alnesbourn Priory earlier this week, while a separate set of travellers are currently stationed on the old Four-O-Five sports ground in nearby Bader Close.

There are around a dozen caravans and motor homes on the site, which has lain derelict for several years.

A council spokesman said: “We are issuing proceedings today.

“A hearing application will be next Tuesday or Wednesday depending on what the court gives us.

“Assuming we get the order we will then ask bailiffs to evict them at the earliest possible date.”

A spokesman for the travellers based near Ravenswood said they had come to Suffolk from Colchester and claimed they would be leaving the county tomorrow .

He said one of their vehicles had developed mechanical problems and the group had stopped while repairs took place.