A community is frustrated after tonnes of rubbish was dumped on fields near their homes.

The mess is believed to have been left by an illegal encampment who occupied Anchor Field, in London Road, West Thurrock, for a month before vacating the site two weeks ago.

One man, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, claimed the travellers had intimidated people who used the land while they were there.

He said: “They were throwing rubbish over the fence, damaging the gates with their lorries and threatening allotment holders who came to look after their patch.

“As far as I can tell, no attempt has been made to clear it up yet. There’s all sorts of rubbish there, including faeces.

“It’s ruining a popular dog-walking path. Something needs to be done as soon as possible.”

Since the travellers have left, a new lock has been fitted to the gate.

Concrete blocks have also been placed in front of them to ensure that future access is restricted.

It is believed the land is owned by trucking company Harris DAF and leased to the council.

Action is taken to remove any unauthorised traveller encampment on public land in Thurrock.

Essex County Council’s Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) deal with this on behalf of Thurrock Council but only when the camp is not on private land.

Harris DAF has been contacted for comment but did not respond by the time the Gazette went to print.

To report an unauthorised encampment to the ECTU team, you can visit www.thurrock.gov.uk/unauthorised-traveller-
encampments

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