The council's duty of care to travellers means it can take several days, or even weeks, to move them from illegal camps.

Several incidents where travellers have been able to set up camps and remain in place for long periods of time in recent weeks have prompted calls for Sutton Council to remove them from sites more quickly.

But the council says it has a duty to check the welfare of adult travellers and make sure their children are well looked after and receiving an education. Only them will it work with police and the courts to secure the necessary eviction notice to move the group on.

Earlier this month a group of travellers arranged their caravans on an area of Beddington Park and were able to stay there for more than a week before they were moved on. Last month a group stayed on Roundshaw Park for several days before being kicked off.

A council spokesman said: "The borough has a clearly defined duty of care with regard to traveller families.

"Social services visit to check on the welfare of children and adults and the local authority also carries out an education inspection to ensure that children are receiving a proper education.

"To carry out an eviction council officers have to work with the legal team, police officers and bailiffs to ensure that it is done legally and safely for all parties."