Concerns have been raised over an "unauthorised" camp that has been set up near a beach, car park and promenade.

People living in the Gunton ward of north Lowestoft have highlighted their concerns to Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Constabulary and East Suffolk Council following the arrival of a caravan not far from North Denes beach and promenade.

East Anglian Daily Times: The 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestThe 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The touring caravan is understood to have parked on Links Road, Corton at the bottom of Links Hill for more than five weeks.

An onlooker said: "It has been illegally parked immediately adjacent to the entrance to the car park, and on double yellow lines."

East Anglian Daily Times: The 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestThe 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

However, further frustrations have now been raised after a second caravan arrived on the land owned by Suffolk County Council's highways department.

Another onlooker said that the area around the caravans was "becoming very untidy and spoils what is a lovely part of north Lowestoft."

East Anglian Daily Times: The 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestThe 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

With the "unauthorised encampment" at Links Road, Corton being monitored by Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Constabulary, alongside the Norfolk & Suffolk Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Service, a meeting has been held between the relevant agencies.

As locals have raised concerns that the caravans have "illegally set up camp" they fear other caravans may now "park up in the area" and "that the encampment will grow".

East Anglian Daily Times: The 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestThe 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Further fears have been expressed that the caravans are also camped on an emergency access route.

Representatives from the Norfolk & Suffolk Gypsy Roma Traveller Service (NSGRTS), Suffolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, Suffolk Constabulary and a local councillor were all in attendance at the meeting - with police continuing to monitor the encampment with regular patrols, while it is understood that NSGRTS officials will visit the site.

East Anglian Daily Times: The 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: NewsquestThe 'unauthorised encampment' with two caravans parked on Links Road in north Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

A Suffolk County Council spokesman said: "We continue to liaise with partners and follow due legal process to find a solution."

An East Suffolk Council spokesman said they were aware of the "unauthorised" occupier on Suffolk Highways land.