Legal action is under way to evict Travellers who have illegally pitched up on an Angus golf course to take part in a Christian convention.
A giant marquee was set up on East Links alongside 50 caravans where Travellers are taking part in a Montrose Mission organised by Light and Life Gypsy Church.
Vehicles and quad bikes have also been circling the perimeter of the illegal site which is adjacent to the Montrose Medal Course.
The Light and Life Mission is to“proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Gypsies and Travellers throughout the world.”
Light and Life followers believe in miracles, carry out full-immersionbaptism and follow the bible’s wordsliterally.
But their presence on East Links has prompted a flurry of complaints and the council is applying for a court order to remove them.
A council spokesman said: “We are aware of the encampment at East Links and we are taking legal action.”
Around 10 caravans were at East Links last week before numbersdramatically increased over theweekend while junior golfers were being put through their paces.
The session was stopped and thechildren had to be taken home by their parents because the caravans had blocked off part of the course.
Pastor Norman Price said: “We are not here to cause any trouble.I am here to spread the word to the travelling community.”
Although the pastor’s own caravan is sited just yards from a putting green he denied knowledge that the Travellers were parked on the nine-hole course.
He added: “I thought it was just a piece of grassland.I didn’t know it was a golf course.”
Montrose is a traditional passing-through area for Travellers.
Businesses in the town have previously complained, saying the continual presence of the encampmentsdiscourages visitors to the town.
In 2010 an Angus Council plan forsetting up barriers around the Montrose links to prevent repeated invasions by Travellers was put on hold.
The scheme had been estimated to cost around £54,000 but there was huge reservation among residents about the money involved since it would have to come from the town’s common good fund.
Bob Williamson, 66, built his home overlooking the Links and he called for the barriers idea to be looked at again.
He said: “Travellers usually pitch up every summer but I have never seen such a large encampment in my 15 years here. I think they need to consider erecting barriers as the long-term solution.”
It is understood the Christian festival is taking place on East Links all week.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police can confirm that we are aware of the situation and we will continue tomonitor and liaise with the council.”