TRAVELLERS were able to lay the groundwork for a huge illegal site after council bosses ignored at least three potential breaches of a High Court injunction, it is claimed.

More than 30 lorries carrying hardcore arrived at the Hovefields site in Wickford on Friday before nearly two-thirds of a five acre field was covered in asphalt.

Claims have now emerged that council officers failed to act when told about cesspools being installed and hardcore being delivered- in breach of an injunction granted nearly six months ago.

Basildon Council leader Phil Turner is set to meet with MPs about the development and said the council is using “every legal option available”.

Chris Walsh, 36, whose parents David and Jill live in Hovefields, penned an open letter to Basildon Council chief Phil Turner in which he says his parents are now living in fear of a return to the lawlessness of the site before it was cleared of illegal pitches five years ago.

Mr Walsh, who lives in Leeds, said he is now taking legal advice because the council has failed in its “duty of care” to his parents, who are in their 60s.

He claims that planners were advised in November- just weeks after the injunction was granted- that cesspools were being installed.

On February 9, eight separate 20 tonne trucks deposited hardcore on the green belt site. Further breaches were reported but Mr Walsh claims council officers did not visit the site.

He believes the owners of the branded delivery lorries should now face action for contempt of court.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, has spoken to MP Mark Francois and the pair are hoping to arrange a meeting with housing minister Gavin Barwell.

He said: “Basildon Council completely shares the frustrations and concerns of residents in the Hovefields area about recent incidents of unauthorised development.

“We want to assure residents that the council is using every legal option available to it in an attempt to prevent planning breaches in the area.

“We have already taken strong enforcement action and used the resources and powers available to us as a local planning authority to their fullest extent.

“However, there are limits to these powers, and while we would like to be able to do more – and do it more quickly – we have to follow proper process if we want to secure a lasting solution.

“We are calling on central Government to put the law right to give us emergency powers to take immediate action to stop the misery being suffered by residents and stop our thin resources being stretched.”