TRAVELLERS have pitched up on a patch of grass opposite a popular pub.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, warned residents it will take at least a week to move six caravans from land on East Mayne, Pitsea.

The site, close to the Whitmore Way junction, is surrounded by houses, the Watermill pub, and Longmans car garage.

Mr Turner said council officers were working closely with the Essex Countywide Traveller unit, made up of local authorities and the emergency services, to take enforcement action.

The caravans, which have Irish number plates, moved on to the council-owned land on Wednesday night.

Mr Turner said: “Officers have already been down there. They will get in touch with the Essex Traveller Unit, and between them they will start the process.

“We know it takes time, and we’re not happy about that, but we’re confident we will move them on.

“It would be good if Westminster changed the way we did this process so we could get them off council land quicker, but I don’t think that is going to happen.

“The travellers will probably be there for about a week or so, unless they leave of their own accord.”

A separate group of two caravans and a Transit van moved off a plot of land along Radwinter Avenue, Wickford.

It comes a month after three caravans and three vans parked up at Barn Hall car park, off Haslemere Road, Wickford, before moving on to land off a roundabout in nearby Cranfield Park Road.

Work on the development of 135 homes on Ballards Walk, Laindon, stalled for 11 days after travellers broke through metal fencing to set up camp.

Redrow Homes was forced to launch legal proceedings, and drafted in security guards and dogs to protect the site.

Mr Turner added: “I think there has been more aggravation this year than ever before.

“The travellers do what they do, but what I would say is there is no courtesy for the residents, which cause issues with the settled community.

“This is what we are struggling with.

“I apologise to the residents, but promise we will move the travellers on.”