Travellers have set up camp in a field on the outskirts Borehamwood to the annoyance of their new neighbours ,, the A1 Golf Centre.

The field, which is opposite the Elstree Moat House Hotel, is owned by Garden Oak, the same company that owns the golf centre.

Last week the company served an eviction notice on the travellers, and yesterday its solicitor was due to get an order from the Royal Court of Justice, which would give them until this morning to leave.

Bob Townsend, the golf centre's manager, said: 'They haven't caused any real problems at the golf centre, but we've had to bring in extra security guards to help our customers feel safe leaving their cars here.

'The only problems are on their side of the fence, where they are dumping rubbish in the field, and causing environmental problems.'

Because the field is on the other side of the A1 from Borehamwood, the Metropolitan Police are responsible for making sure the eviction is carried out smoothly.

Insp Turnbull, from Colindale Police Station, said the travellers had been moving from one site to another within the borough of Barnet for some time.

'We have to give them enough time to leave, but we will attend to make sure there is not a breach of the peace,' he said.

One traveller, Tom Coyle, said the group would not cause any trouble when told to leave the site, but warned that since the closure of Hertsmere's traveller site at South Mimms last month there was nowhere left for them to go.

The nearest council-approved travellers camp is a 27-pitch site in Bushey ,, and there are no such facilities in the borough of Barnet.

'We're not going to cause any hassle; we're moving on to East Finchley, there's a lot of work there. There are 200 more caravans coming down from Manchester soon, and there won't be enough space for them here, so we'll have to move anyway. Some of our caravans have already gone, said Mr Coyle.