Temporary barriers put in place across open spaces and cycle paths in Kesgrave are eyesores which have made the town look like a “warzone”, it has been claimed.

The concrete structures, known as K-Rails, were put in place on Friday, as residents called for action in response to a group of travellers who left Suffolk Coastal-owned land near Cardew Drift last Tuesday, after almost a month at the site.

Now, disgruntled residents have slammed the town’s appearance with the barriers and agricultural machinery, which formed part of an unoffical blockade against further travellers, still blocking car access to the Millennium Jubilee Field.

One resident posted on the Kesgrave Community Group Facebook page: “Kesgrave looks like a warzone just now. The farm machinery is still blocking the Millennium Field car park and I see the locals in that area have put up notices reminding motorists of their obligations under the Highway Code regarding parking near junctions.

“How can life here return to normal when we are now living in a neighbourhood that resembles a Belfast estate during the troubles of the 70s and 80s?”

Another resident, Ian Wilson, added on the page: “The present placement across Pilsborough Way is at best an inconvenience and at worst a serious accident waiting to happen.

“They equally serve no real purpose and are completely disproportionate to the risk (if any) posed by the travellers to our community.”

Suffolk county councillor for Kesgrave Christopher Hudson said he recognised people’s concerns and stressed that they were only a temporary measure. He added: “I hear what the residents say. In the first instance, people understandably asked for something and they got it. It’s very unfortunate but I share their concerns.

“In the medium term we must get them removed, but we have had a problem there that has been well noted.

“It’s not a siege mentality we want to have in Kesgrave.

“People have had a bit of a shock and I understand that it is a complete eyesore.”

The temporary measures are due to remain in place for another four-to-six weeks while permanent solutions are found.

A Kesgrave Town Council spokesman confirmed that the farming machinery currently blocking the entrance to the Millennium Jubilee Field would be removed by the end of the week.