A group of travellers have set up at a piece of land at the junction of Roscommon Way and Haven Road, Canvey.

Residents reported that they had earlier tried to get into the Labworth car park, but were unable to due to the new fencing that had been installed to stop them.

Castle Point councillor Tom Skipp said: “There are six vans and caravans on the land there.

“They have forced their way through the gate to get onto the land.

“They arrived yesterday evening and as far as I know they have not been on that land before.

“At present we are liaising with the police and crime commissioner about how best to proceed.

“We are trying to get in touch with Gypsy and Traveller Unit and the county council, who we believe own the land.”

Former councillor Ray Howard added: “I had just finished watching the news when I saw them come past.

“I then had phone calls from people saying they were trying to get into Labworth car park.

“Thankfully, they were unable to, but I then received phone calls that they had moved to this area. It is environmental area where there are various forms of wildlife so it is not ideal.

“They always seem to arrive on Bank Holidays.”

He added that councillors, the police and MP candidate Rebecca Harris are working together to find a solution as quickly a possible.

He reassured residents that they were doing everything in their power to move them on.

There has been a long history of travellers coming to the island over the years and causing issues.

Caravans are regularly spotted on the island during the summer months, including the Labworth car park.

In 2014, councillor Dave Blackwell likened Canvey to a “war zone” after a number of fights broke out on the island and pubs having to have their doors guarded by police offices.

Some businesses took the decision to close early.

The police were called numerous times - including when a resident thought she saw a traveller brandishing a gun, and police finally gave them an escort off the island. Since then, there have been less problems when the travellers have arrived.