POLICE were this afternoon (Wednesday) out in force in Withymoor to oversee the departure of travellers who set up illegal camps in the area.

More than 70 caravans had swamped land next to One Stop shop in Turners Lane - and opposite Sainsbury's supermarket further down the road.

But the settlers were this afternoon being given their marching orders by police using special Section 61 powers to evict unauthorised campers.

Hordes of officers from West Midlands Police turned out to oversee the departure of the travellers who have been blamed for a spate of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The latest incursion was the fourth in the borough in recent weeks.

Councillor Patrick Harley, new leader of Dudley Council, said residents and councillors had had enough and it was time to take a tough stance on illegal encampments in Dudley.