Travellers have moved onto a village cricket ground, sparking anger after vehicles were seen parked directly on the wicket at the centre of the pitch.

Aerial images show around 15 caravans and motorhomes spread across Clayton Recreation Ground in Clayton, with most positioned around the edge of the cricket field.

Two vehicles were visibly parked on the square itself, raising fears that the playing surface could be damaged.

Four additional cars were also seen on the site, alongside litter scattered across the ground. 

Residents said the group arrived on Tuesday night, prompting concern among locals about the condition of the pitch and the disruption to the community's summer sport.

Social media reaction was swift, with residents describing the situation as 'out of order' and warning that tyre marks on the wicket could cause lasting damage to the carefully maintained surface. 

Others noted the high cost of maintaining cricket grounds and questioned how access had been so easily gained. 

The incident has added to growing frustration in rural communities across England, where similar unauthorised encampments and developments have repeatedly caused controversy. 

In nearby West Chiltington, around 20 miles away, residents recently reported heavy machinery and tarmac being laid across a greenfield site close to the Nyetimber wine estate, despite enforcement action from Horsham District Council.

That site is among several recently highlighted in a series of so-called 'land grab' cases, where fields have been rapidly developed over weekends or holiday periods using heavy equipment before enforcement action can take effect. 

In some cases, mobile homes have later been moved in once hardstanding has been laid.

Other recent examples include developments in Essex and Cambridgeshire. 

Here, councils have issued stop notices or sought High Court injunctions after travellers began laying hardcore and installing caravans on greenfield land, often amid claims that works were timed to coincide with reduced council staffing over weekends.

Authorities have previously warned that such cases can be difficult to reverse once groundworks are completed, as retrospective planning applications are then submitted for change of use.

In Cambridgeshire, travellers were ordered to halt unauthorised development of a greenfield site between Histon and Cottenham after a High Court injunction was granted over the bank holiday weekend.

Around a dozen workers used diggers to lay hardcore and install fencing on the land, later bringing in about 16 caravans, prompting reports from locals to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Council officers tracked down High Court judge Mr Justice Mansfield, who issued an injunction against 'persons unknown' as ownership of the land was unclear.

Officials believe the work was aimed at converting the field into a gypsy and traveller site, and say it was likely carried out over the bank holiday when council offices were closed. 

The incident is described as part of a wider pattern of rapid unauthorised developments on rural land during holiday weekends.

In Clayton, residents said the cricket pitch remains a key part of village life, and there are concerns that any damage to the wicket could affect fixtures throughout the summer season.

Local authorities have not yet confirmed what enforcement action, if any, will be taken at the recreation ground.

Keymer & Hassocks cricket club, who play at the ground, have been contacted for comment.