Castle Point council has installed protective barriers in a popular public park to protect it from travellers entering the site.

In light of travellers pitching camps in the Western Esplanade, residents feared travellers would turn to Kismet Park, along the Eastern Esplanade, for their new camping site.

Councillor Alan Acott, said: “I am very pleased Castle Point Council has made Kismet Park safe from travellers entering the park.

“Although travellers have never entered the park before, residents were worried after what happened at the seafront in the Western Esplanade. They fear the park may be the next target.

“Before the installation of the barriers, there were flowerbeds but they were slowly disintegrating and it was getting dangerous because it makes it more accessible for vehicles, so council put up these posts.”

Mr Acott said Kismet Park, which is a public park, would be an easy target for travellers.

He added: “Kismet Park has outdoor fitness equipment, and a playground so it’s very well-used by our residents.”

Back in August the Echo reported that bollards were being considered in “high risk areas” on Canvey after businesses lost thousands of pounds and had to hire in private security after a group of travellers pitched up in Western Esplanade.

Ann Horgan, head of governance at Castle Point council said: “Bollards were installed recently to overcome access difficulties for maintenance.

"The council was unable to gain access with tractors to our land due to parked cars so we removed an old raised flower bed and put in bollards including a drop bollard so if one gate was blocked we would have another means of exit.”

Canvey seafront has a long history of problems with travellers. In July, bollards were placed along Canvey Island seafront to prevent people from camping caravans on the patch of green.

The same month a community of travellers pitched up in the car park of the Admiral Jellicoe pub, in the High Street during the night. There were around 15 caravans at the site.

Councillor Barry Campagna fronted the initial campaign to get the bollards installed after sympathising with seafront traders who were losing business due to the caravans pitching on-site.

He said: “The council has made proposal to run a survey for all other areas which are vulnerable to travellers setting up camp. We need to make sure all the areas have been included in the survey.”