A traveller 'trapped' in an Isle of Wight car park has told the County Press he would not give the company which claims to own it money to leave, "even if it was £5".

The latest twist in the row, concerning land at Bembridge Point, has seen Malcolm Thorpe, of Bembridge Harbour Authority (BHA), set his price for van owners to vacate.

The car park from the airThe car park from the air (Image: IWCP)

He said individual campers can exit the site for £50 each and, should circa half of the vehicles want to leave at the same time, they can do so free of charge.

As previously reported, concrete bollards were installed at the entrance to the car park, meaning no vehicles can get in or out.

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BHA said travellers were parked there "unlawfully", not following rules and "mistreating" adjoining land.

These claims have always been strongly refuted by the travellers, who say they have been there, on and off, for years with no problems at all.

They also say they use the nearby shops, cafe and pubs and claim to have support from villagers.

Bollards surround the entrance to the car parkBollards surround the entrance to the car park (Image: IWCP)

(Image: IWCP)

Reacting to Malcolm Thorpe's latest offer, one traveller, who preferred not be named, said: "If it was £5 I wouldn't give it to him.

"This has always been a free car park and most of us feel the same.

"If he opened it up, we could go when we want. He has created a problem for himself."

The row erupted in April when BHA sent a letter asking the community to vacate half of the car park, which is designated as having village green status.

The travellers obliged, parking in the other half and bollards were laid out to separate the two sides.

But, within a few days, some of the bollards had been moved - something the travellers deny doing.

Travellers have claimed Malcolm does not own the village green. He said this is 'rubbish' and the land is owned 'within the harbour group of companies'.

He said he has given them three opportunities to leave now.

"It is our intention to return the site to be used as a general car park [obviously not including the village green area] – but only when the present position is resolved", he said.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary previously said it was a civil matter.

Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Council said as the land is private, it does not have jurisdiction.