TRAVELLERS have pitched up at an empty unit in an industrial park.

At least three caravans have been spotted at the unit, close to Rutherford Close, in Progress Road, Eastwood.

An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s like most travellers, they usually stay for just a few days or a week before they move on.

“The danger is though, it looks like they have broken through the gate so more could come along.

“I guess it is an easy mark because it is empty and privately owned so the council and police can’t do anything to move them on.

“And it is usually expensive for the landlord to get them evicted through going to court, so sometimes it is easier to just wait for them to leave.”

Southend has regularly had issues with travellers pitching up, including in Warrior Square and last month, travellers without caravans spent nine days living in tents in Scott Park, off Western Approaches, Eastwood, leaving rubbish at the site.

Tory councillor Mark Flewitt has previously called for a change in the law to make it easier for owners to get possession orders.