TRAVELLERS have pitched in a Southend public park.

The six caravan convoy arrived in Priory Park on July 25, and action is yet to be taken to remove the community from the space.

A spokesman for Southend Council said: “Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is aware that caravans have set-up in Priory Park, occupying land without authorisation.

"The council wishes to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

“We issued them with an initial notice to leave the land yesterday afternoon and have been working with the Police to resolve the situation. If the caravans do not leave the site we shall continue with legal action through the courts to have them removed.

“We have measures in place across the town such as bollards, fencing and gates in parks, and height restriction barriers in car parks to reduce the risk of unauthorised occupation.

"However there is no one-size fits all measure and when we introduce anything like this we have to consider all issues, including the specific nature and use of that site, and the general accessibility and openness for local people, businesses and visitors.

“However, we do keep the access arrangements to our land under continued review, as any responsible landowner should.”

Essex Police confirmed that no damage has been caused following the convoy’s arrival and no orders have been made for anti social behaviour.

A spokesman said: “We were made aware of an unauthorised encampment in Priory Park, Southend, at 4pm on July 25. Our officers attended the site and continue to liaise with both the landowners, Southend Council, and the encampment. We continue to monitor the site.”