The majority of travellers who say they were 'unfairly trapped' in an Isle of Wight car park have now left, after the company which claims to own the land threatened to have their vehicles towed.

The few that remain at Bembridge Point have been told they must move by the start of next week or their vehicles will be removed and stored in a compound — and they will be charged for the pleasure.

If they fail to claim their vehicles, they will be scrapped and money donated to charity, Malcolm Thorpe, of Bembridge Harbour Authority (BHA), has warned.

Some vacating travellers have moved a stone's throw away to the car park near Harbour View Cafe - land also owned by BHA, according to Malcolm - but they say this is only temporary.

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

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.

Travellers remained steadfast in their unwillingness to move, telling the County Press they would not pay to leave after Mr Thorpe requested they do so.

Months after the row erupted, the car park has started to emptyMonths after the row erupted, the car park has started to empty (Image: IWCP)

The car park before the travellers starting leavingThe car park before the travellers starting leaving (Image: IWCP)

Now, months after the row erupted, most have left.

One traveller told the County Press they were 'fearmongered' into doing so, due to the threat of their vehicles being put in a compound.

He said none of the travellers are too upset however and are in good spirits. 

"Hopefully locals can still park there", he added.

Letters have been placed on the remaining vehicles, revealing the potential costs.

Should he fail to remove his vehicle, one van owner has been warned he will have to pay £250+ VAT and £30 storage per day.

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.

The car park before the travellers starting leavingThe car park before the travellers starting leaving (Image: IWCP)

Some of the vehicles have temporarily moved a stone's throw away - to the car park near The Harbour View cafeSome of the vehicles have temporarily moved a stone's throw away - to the car park near The Harbour View cafe (Image: IWCP)

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'.

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.