CONCERNS have been raised about the lack of security at Southend’s Priory Park after a group of travellers pitched up.

It is believed that they managed to make their way into the park from Victoria Avenue.

At least five caravans and vans are parked up near the playground.

Tino Callaghan, an Independent councillor for the Prittlewell ward, said leaving the gates unlocked in the park encourages travellers to camp there.

He said: “The gates are an issue. They need to be locked. The reason why the council leaves them unlocked is because they fear people will get locked inside it.

“I will be raising this issue with fellow Independent councillors who had travellers entering the Trinity Sports Field recently.”

Mr Callaghan suggested the council should follow the footsteps of Harlow Council, which imposes a three-year injunction on banning travellers from setting up unauthorised camps.

He said: “If other councils can do that, surely we can. I think we should get in touch with Harlow Council.”

Southend Council has issued a legal notice to leave for travellers camping at Priory Park.

David Garston, a Conservative councillor also from the same ward, said: “Some travellers come from Ireland and they tend to come to England during summer because the weather is kinder to them.

“Once travellers get the notice to leave, they move. But sometimes you just don’t know when they will move.”

A Southend Council spokesman said: “We issued a legal notice on Tuesday stating that they did not have consent to be on our land and we required them to leave. This has not been observed so we are now seeking a possession order which involves a court hearing.

“In many high-risk areas we have measures in place such as bollards, fencing and gates in parks and height restriction barriers. However there is no one-size fits all measure as need to consider all issues, such as the specific nature and use of that site, and the general accessibility, businesses and visitors.

“However, we do keep the security and access arrangements to our land under continued review, as any responsible landowner should.”