TRAVELLERS at Europe's biggest illegal site have extended an olive branch in an attempt to end years of tension with villagers.

People fighting to stay at the illegal Dale Farm site, in Crays Hill, want to join the local residents' association, and also plant trees to improve the area.

While the council fights to evict them, Dale Farm Housing and Residents' Association has drawn up an action plan at its annual meeting, held at the travellers' controversial Saint Christopher's community centre.

Traveller Mary Ann McCarthy, 76, said: "Some of us have been here seven, even ten years.

"We would like to join with our neighbours and have a voice in local affairs."

The idea follows an earlier Gypsy Council meeting, when it was agreed to form a new youth section at Dale Farm, so young travellers could get involved with community campaigns.

At the annual general meeting, members agreed to plant 12 oak saplings along Oak Lane and invite Billericay MP John Baron to help plant the first tree.

Richard Sheridan, chairman of the association, who plans to approach the Tory MP, said: "Mr Baron is keen on the green belt and we hope he'll see the positive side of this planting scheme. This could be a new start for community relations."

Mr Baron said: "They will need to send the invitation in writing.

"I am not going to commit to diary arrangements in the press."

Mr Sheridan said planting trees would be a symbol of their hope of making Dale Farm their permanent home.

Campaigner Grattan Puxon said a number of plot owners had already developed small gardens and it was expected more would be dug out this summer.

He said: "A lot can be done to improve the green belt appearance. This is a plus for everybody in the district."

The meeting agreed to seek membership of Crays Hill Residents' Association, by writing to organisers asking if it would be possible to affiliate as a group or individuals.

No one from Crays Hill Residents' Association would comment until members have discussed the request.