TRAVELLERS have once again pitched up on land opposite a new housing development - despite bollards being in place to prevent vehicles driving onto the land.

Eleven caravans and a number of other vehicles moved onto land in St Nicholas Lane, Laindon, opposite the junction of Ballards Walk on Friday morning.

Since then, more travellers have been seen arriving and some have even been seen using a wrench to release water from a nearby hydrant to shower themselves in the street.

The council-owned land is close to the site where Redrow Homes is building 135 new houses.

It has proved to be a popular spot for travellers to camp up in the past.

Earlier this year, a group were moved on from St Nicholas Mews, opposite the land where they are currently pitched up.

The group left behind a lot of rubbish - including nappies and excrement - which taxpayers were forced to pay to clear up as the land is owned by the council.

In 2015, caravans pitched up on playing fields at Ballards Walk, which were sold off by the council to Redrow.

Then, in May last year, travellers once again camped on the same piece of land, which is down the road from the James Hornsby High School.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We live right opposite the site where they have pitched up.

“It is pretty frustrating as we thought the council had resolved the problem when they put a fence up where the travellers had originally been.

“My partner and I were out walking when we spotted two caravans pulling into the field via the gate.

“I don’t know whether they forced their way into the field or if maybe the council had left the gate open by mistake when they cut the grass over there, but since then the site seems to have grown.”

This is just the latest in a string of traveller sites which have sprung up in the area, the most notable being the site at Hovefiels in Wickford which has caught the attention of national media and been dubbed Dale Farm.

Leader of Basildon Council Phil Turner insists the council will not tolerate any illegal camping around the borough.

He said: “We are already onto this. We have zero tolerance towards this so officers have already been in touch with Essex County Council.

Cllr Turner reassured residents that action is being taken. He added: “The police are working with us and we’re working to move it on as quickly as possible.

“There is no doubt we will get them off but it’s just another nuisance that residents and the council have to put up with.”

Deputy Leader Kevin Blake feels the government needs to change legislation in order to allow the council to tackle Basildon’s chronic traveller problem. He said: “The blame is down to the government and the law needs to change so we can move them on immediately.

“If you or I tried to do what they are doing, we would be thrown off straight away. There seems to be different rules for them. To have to pick up after them time and time again is disgusting and wastes vital council cash.”