COUNCIL chiefs are ignoring the illegal expansion of other traveller sites in the district, as the focus remains on Dale Farm, residents claim.

Two traveller sites in Pitsea and Wickford have been steadily increasing in size, according to residents.

The legal site at Harrow Road, off Pound Lane, Pitsea, has almost been doubled as two illegal pitches have been added to the three legal ones in the last few days.

One neighbour in Harrow Road said: “They have been laying the hardcore for months, but it was only recently the mobile homes went in.

“I told the council. I even told them when they were sending the latest mobile home in, but they didn’t even send anyone. We are petrified it will end up a mini Dale Farm. There is enough land for a lot more.”

The land has been under a High Court injunction for several months after previous attempts at illegal development.

The injunction means the landowers could be hauled before court and fined or imprisoned, but no hearing has yet taken place.

Another site which is expanding is at the end of Newlands Road, Wickford.

Permission was granted for one pitch last year, but according to residents it has grown to three in the last three months.

A neighbour, who again asked not to be named, said: “I have seen other travellers eyeing up the site to move on.

“A bungalow facing the field has already gone up for sale.

“The council will have another big problem on its hands if it does nothing.

“It needs to do more to help the taxpayers and people who abide by the law.”

He said he believes the council is so focused on Dale Farm other smaller sites like this will grow unchecked.

Neil Costen, council planning enforcement manager, said of Harrow Road: “We are taking all necessary steps to seek compliance with a previously served High Court injunction the owners have breached.

“They are disobeying a court order which is contempt and if the court finds them guilty they may face the risk of imprisonment.

“It remains a council priority to protect the borough’s green belt and we will remain vigilant and take appropriate action against any breaches.”

In respect of the Newlands site Mr Costen added: “Contact has been made with the landowner with a view to taking enforcement action.”