TRAVELLERS could be set to create a “Dale Farm, Mark II” after importing 600 tonnes of hardcore and covering an illegal site in tarmac.

Gobsmacked residents watched in horror as more than 30 large trucks arrived at the Hovefields site in Wickford on Friday.

Five caravans moved off the land, which is already subject to a High Court injunction, only to be replaced by three “huge” mobile homes and another caravan.

Nearly two-thirds of the five acre field- about the size of three football pitches- was then covered in tarmac and plotted-up.

Residents are fearful that up to 50 traveller families could descend on the site.

Jill Walsh, of the Hovefields Residents Association, accused Basildon Council of inaction and said the county’s traveller community is watching.

She said: “This is going to be a case of Dale Farm eat your heart out. It will have nothing on Hovefields.

“The council has a High Court injunction so they are perfectly able to prosecute. There is clear and irrefutable evidence that there are breaches of the injunction going on.

“They are dillying and dallying and are just not doing it.”

A statement from the association said one settled family living adjacent to the site had fencing and a section of their garden totally destroyed by a mechanical digger during the work.

The statement added that the site was set to become “Dale Farm, Mark II”.

Jenny Mace, chairman of the association, said those residents are now frightened while others are “horrified” by the developments and in “total despair” with Basildon Council.

She said: “Any breach of these injunctions is a contempt of court yet Basildon Council has repeatedly refused to initiate legal proceedings against the culprits who are in contempt.

“This effectively has sent out a message to members of the Gypsy/Traveller community that they can do what they like as Basildon Council will not take any action against them.

“They have totally betrayed their duty of care towards our law abiding residents and the wider community.”

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, said the council is taking “all appropriate steps” to deal with the situation.

He said: “Basildon Council is aware of an alleged breach of planning laws in the Hovefields area over the weekend.

“We share the frustrations of residents, but the council does not have powers of arrest and must follow the proper legal process.

“As a public body, we must act within the existing legal framework, as set out by Parliament, and this adds considerable time and cost in dealing with such situations.

“However residents can be assured that the council is taking all appropriate steps to deal with unauthorised development."