TRAVELLERS are still on a popular green despite an order to leave.

About 20 travellers were seen setting up at Sun Corner, Billericay, on Saturday, and allegedly forced entry by moving stumps blocking the entrance.

Residents living nearby want to see the group moved on.

A dog owner, 60, who asked not to be named, said: “I walk my dog at the field twice a day and have done so for 17 years. I have had to move my route due to where they are parked.

“Children will want to play in the area and people will avoid it. It is almost certain that they are dumping their waste at the site.”

Gavin Callaghan, Labour councillor for Pitsea North West, criticised the Tory administration of the council, which took control back from a Labour, Ukip and independent-led council earlier this year.

Mr Callaghan took to Twitter to post: “It will have take until Thursday for Basildon Council to ensure summonses have been served to travellers illegally encamped on Sun Corner in Billericay. That’s far too long.

“I wouldn’t have accepted that last year. Why has Andrew Baggott gone soft?”

It is understood this is the fourth year in a row that travellers have pitched up at the site. Basildon Council and Essex Police are working on the issue.

The Essex Countywide Traveller Unit attended on July 23 to assess the community impact and to serve Direction to Leave notices.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “Planning Enforcement officers at Basildon Council will continue to monitor the site and work closely with the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit and Essex Police to ensure the travellers leave the land as soon as possible. ECTU served summonses on site today and are due to attend court tomorrow to obtain a repossession order which will give the travellers 24 hours to leave.”