And council chiefs have slammed thugs who threw stones at the Gaskin family, which left Artist's Corner car park in Matlock Bath on Friday after an eight-day stay.

Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group coordinator Siobhan Spencer was angry about the incident, which happened last Thursday night.

Ms Spencer said: "They rang me because they were getting harangued and stones thrown at their caravans.

"We try to encourage people to report problems like this, as it's racial harassment."

Ms Spencer said the Gaskins had been repeatedly let down by the police, councils and courts since being forced from an Amber Valley site in November 2003.

Derbyshire Dales District Council had refused to allow the Gaskins to stay at the car park, but it was disappointed by the stone-throwing.

Environmental health chief Tim Braund said: "It can't be condoned in any way. People shouldn't be harassed and from the council's point of view there are issues here with potential hate crime.

"I spoke with Siobhan after the incident and left a message with inspector Bryan Hall about getting patrol cars out at pub closing time. But the family have left and our involvement's over.

"I went down on Friday morning and there was no mess and nothing for us to do at all," he added.

Residents had complained about noisy generators, barking dogs and human waste in nearby woods.

But Derbyshire Dales District Council confirmed no rubbish or waste was left at the site.

The Gaskins moved to Artist's Corner from Old Station Road in Rowsley, as a family member is seriously ill. The car park offered better facilities and emergency access, and was closer to Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The family has moved to Buxton.