TRAVELLERS have made a camp on a popular Southend sports ground.

Six vehicles got through the unlocked gate of Victory Sports Ground, Sutton Road, at about 11.30am yesterday.

Police soon moved in to block the entrance, while council chiefs issued orders for them to leave.

Meanwhile, one of the group told the Echo how they were over from Ireland and would be staying “a couple of days”.

However another man soon interrupted and said: “We have no comment, get off our field.”

Residents and sports teams which use the facility have raised fears about the impact the group could have on the summer season.

Councillor Brian Ayling, of nearby Ennismore Gardens, said: “The vehicles are just behind people’s back gardens too, it’s distressing to say the least. The police are stopping anymore vehicles coming through, a few have driven past.”

The Echo witnessed two other caravans drive into the nearby Aldi car park for a while, before they turned around and drove off.

Claire Smith, 39, also of Ennismore Gardens, said: “I go jogging with my family over there, but I can’t do that anymore if they can’t get them out.

“I’m really worried about this.”

A resident, who did not want to be named, said: “At first we thought it was a fair being set up, but there hadn’t been any adverts and then we saw the police and knew it was travellers.”

Southend Council served notices on the travellers requiring they vacate the park, immediately.

Possession proceedings will now have to be issued in the County Court.

A council spokesman said fortunately there are no official sports fixtures scheduled on the site for this weekend.

Simon Thorosian, manager of Leigh Town FC, who play on the site, said: “It’s one of the best football pitches in the area, I hope there isn’t much damage done.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We attended the scene, but it is a matter for the council.”