Residents claim they were left trapped inside their own homes after travellers blocked the only road out with 20 caravans.
Those living nearby said the mobile homes were set up to cut off the only way in and out of the housing estate in Worcester, Worcestershire.
They claim their Christmas was ruined by the newcomers, with violent scenes leading to riot police being called.
The travellers set up their mobile homes on the site of a disused factory on December 16 before locking a gate and parking on grass verges so vehicles couldn't pass.
Police officers called to the scene called for backup from riot police before the gate was eventually reopened on Christmas Eve.
One man said shaken locals fear for their safety, reports The Sun.
He said: "How do you think we local residents feel?
"The gates were locked another couple of times after the police opened them.
"The travellers have simply ignored the order. How can they be allowed to just do that?
"Law abiding citizens are being left to put up with this and suffer.
"We know police have the power to move them on but they're too scared.
"It is disgusting that this is allowed to continue."
Angry neighbours also claimed loud chainsaws and late night bonfires have kept them up at night.
Inspector Fergus Green from West Mercia Police said: “Following the commencement of eviction procedures through the court, those occupying the site at Williamson Road in Worcester have moved on and no arrests have been made.
“I appreciate that for those living in the local area this has been a concerning and frustrating time. A regular police presence has been in and around the location and we have worked with partners and the land owner to seek a legal resolution as swiftly as possible.”
