A small group of travellers which set camp on Streatham Common have agreed to leave at 7pm today.

The group has parked about a dozen caravans at the top of the Common, where Streatham Festival’s Big Day Out is supposed to take place tomorrow afternoon.

Lambeth Council briefed its councillors on the issue, saying the group agreed with Lambeth Police’s request for them to leave the Common at 7pm today.

The briefing read: “Most of the male travellers are currently off-site working, but the police have held phone conversations with the apparent leader of the group informing him they have to leave.

“He has agreed to do so by 7pm tonight after the men have returned from work.”

It added: “The departure will be overseen by the police, supported by council staff that will attend the site to see that the departure goes smoothly and clear any debris left on site assisted by the grounds maintenance contractor, Veolia.”

Earlier today, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Streatham Wells, Alex Davies said: "It's unbelievable that small group of people could be allowed to disrupt a long-planned event, put on for the benefit of the whole community.

"Streatham Festival volunteers work tirelessly over the course of the whole year to make sure this special week is a success. The Council owe it to them to do everything possible to get these motorhomes moved before the Big Day Out starts tomorrow."

Helen Smith, from the Streatham Festival Association, said she is hoping the issue will be resolved and that the event is set to go ahead as planned.