MORE than 1,600 residents have signed a petition, within just 12 hours, to stop five new traveller sites being allocated near their homes.

The controversial plans have identified sites in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, Madrid Avenue, Rayleigh, Greenacres, Hawkwell and two sites - including Rayleigh Golf Range - in Chelmsford Road, Rayleigh.

Rochford District Council has been busy trying to identify appropriate sites across the district for gypsy and traveller accommodation to live in.

But a new report, which lists the five potential sites, has caused some outrage among the communities.

Residents claim they have not been consulted at any point within the decision-making process so far.

Rayleigh resident Cianne Masson set up an online petition which received more than 1,600 signatures in just 12 hours.

She said: “Rochford District Council is proposing an area between Rayleigh and Eastwood to be considered for a travellers site.

“Rayleigh and Eastwood already do not have the resources or capacity to enable a safe and mutually respectful site.

“We, the residents, are opposed to this consideration due to the increased crime, traffic and antisocial behaviour that is already taking place and feel this site could initiate further incidents.

“It is a small space with houses surrounding it, opposite Wyevale Garden Centre.

“Please could the residents and friends of Rayleigh and Eastwood sign this petition to show the council that this is unwanted and will be fought.

“Rayleigh and Eastwood are lovely communities and need to come together to stop this.”

Ian Ward, the councillor responsible for planning, has said the angst from the public may be premature.

He added: “The owner of the land of Eastwood Road has since said he wishes to withdraw it from consideration so there is a chance that site will not be allocated. Personally I am against that site - I don’t think it’s suitable for anyone least of all travellers because of the surrounding infrastructure.”

The planning sub-committee will consider the landowner’s request to withdraw at a council meeting this morning.