A GROUP of gipsies has reportedly been causing problems for staff at the Enigma Business Park.

When employees returned to work at Balens insurance brokers, in Sandys Road, yesterday (Tuesday) morning they discovered four caravans had taken up residence in their car park.

Managing director David Balen said several of his staff had felt intimidated and threatened by the travellers' behaviour.

"They have come in where they shouldn't have, and have been abusive to staff and people going in and out of the car park," he said. "My staff are scared and quite frankly it is one thing to trespass, but it is another thing to be abusive and threatening."

Mr Balen said that while there were only around 15 travellers on the site, he was concerned that more could follow.

"Whilst we haven't exactly been invaded they are already leaving a mess, and I think the way they are behaving is very disrespectful," he said. "That is not what I understood gypsies to be - I expected them to be respectful but these just seem like bullies."

Police spokesman Richard Bull said they were aware of the situation and were monitoring it closely.

"Abusive language and/or behaviour should always be reported to the police who will take the appropriate action," he said.

He added that as the travellers were on private land it was the responsibility of the land-owners to take action if they wanted them to be removed."

Developer Richard Moore, of Midland Commercial Estates, said he was in the process of applying for a court order to have the gypsies removed.

"The police have been very, very helpful, but there is nothing they can do without the order," he said.