Basildon Council has been working closely with the police and Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) following a number of unauthorised traveller encampments in the borough since the weekend.

Travellers who formed an unauthorised encampment at Hannakins Farm Community Centre last week moved on to Radford Crescent car park in Billericay yesterday following issue of a court order. Essex Police then served a Section 61 Direction to move on from this location, which they did today.

The group then pitched up in the car park of the Basildon Sporting Village, in Cranes Farm Road, but quickly moved on after being reminded by police of a High Court injunction which covers this area. The injunction was obtained by the council in November last year preventing unauthorised encampments at specified industrial and park areas within the borough that had been targeted by travellers over the last couple of years.

Late on Tuesday a separate group of travellers parked up on land at Hannakins Farm Community Centre, causing damage to sports pitches and bollards in the process. This group also left following service of a Section 61 Direction.

The council has agreed to undertake the work to restore the pitches to their previous state at no cost to the trustees of Hannakins Farm Community Centre.

Councillor Gavin Callaghan, Basildon Council’s chairman of the policy and resources committee, said: “In conjunction with partners, we are continuing to tackle these kinds of incursions, which are a blight on our neighbourhoods, communities and businesses. I would like to thank council, ECTU and police officers for their swift and collaborative approach in dealing with these encampments this week.

"The council will support the police in taking every action possible in bringing those to justice who cause criminal damage.

“We recognise the negative effect these encampments have on local residents, business and community groups and will be carrying out resurfacing works and repairs at Hannakins Farm free of charge.

"We will also be writing a letter of thanks to the police for their support over the last couple of days and will urge them to take action against those who caused this criminal damage.”

Basildon Council is aware of the current traveller encampment at Ramsden Crays Recreation Ground car park and is working in partnership with Essex Countywide Traveller Unit and Essex Police to take appropriate action.