Former university student Simon Rourke caused a storm among local residents after he pitched his Romany caravan next to St Peter’s Church in the tiny hamlet of Wolfhampcote, near Braunston.

But the 42-year-old is standing his ground and said he is not moving without a fight.

Church officials say that he is on their land and a notice says the Churches Conservation Trust, which is responsible for St Peter’s, will be before a court on January 15 to evict Mr Rourke.

Mr Rourke said: “I didn’t mind being here for Christmas and the New Year.

“It’s fantastic and so atmospheric. I can hear the odd noise in the night but that doesn't frighten me. In fact I embrace it. I am not hugely materialistic so I am happy here.

“And to be honest, I have nowhere else to go.”

He said he was living on his mother’s land in Barby, but had to move out after a dispute and claims he has now been forced out of the village.

He said: “I mean no harm and don’t want to cause any crime. The real crime in my eyes is the whole idea of land ownership. People should be free to live off the land.”

The church, not being used for parish services, did not have any services or events planned over the festive season.

Local residents Stany Arnold and Eric Watson said they want him gone as soon as possible.

Mrs Arnold says she was disturbed several times on Christmas Eve by Mr Rourke playing loud music and that some trees, which she believes had a preservation order on them, have been cut down and used by Mr Rourke as firewood.

Mrs Arnold said: “We are both pensioners and are very isolated down here, so it concerns us that he can just park here and not move.

Mr Watson added: “I know of at least five or six of us who have called the police but they have yet to contact us back. This is all very annoying for everyone.”