TRAVELLERS have left a controversial housing development site after 11 days.

Redrow Homes began legal proceedings at the end of last week after six caravans pitched up on playing fields at Ballards Walk, Laindon.

The housing developer bought the land from Basildon Council to make way for 135 new homes.

The group of travellers are believed to have broken down fencing surrounding the site on Thursday, August 6, to gain access.

They initially settled on the edge of the field, close to the traffic lights at the junction with St Nicholas Lane, before moving into a neighbouring field out of the view of the main road.

Redrow employed 24-hour security at the site, including guard dogs, to prevent any more caravans arriving.

Security remained on the field yesterday evening despite the travellers successfully being moved on.

Kevin Blake, deputy leader of Basildon Council: “This is a different kettle of fish from travellers pitching up on public land. They broke into a private site, and the strong arm of the law should come down on them.

“People have been unable to work because of them holding up the housing development, and that isn’t fair.

“This gives the whole travelling community a bad image.”