TRAVELLERS could be banned from setting up illegal sites in Southend, under a new motion proposed by opposition councillors.

Former Southend Council leader Tony Cox, and four colleagues, have called an extraordinary meeting to seek a borough wide injunction.

Mr Cox claims a “proactive approach” and “stronger stance” could help prevent a summer of illegal encampments.

If approved, the injunction would give the authorities the power to have those at illegal sites moved on immediately.

Those found to have breached the injunction could face criminal proceedings.

The move comes after a group of travellers were moved on from a number of public spaces across Southend, including the Gas Works car park in Eastern Esplanade, Gunners Park in Shoebury and St Mary The Virgin Parish Church, also in Shoebury, recently.

Mr Cox explained the existing powers available to the authorities are not enough to effectively deal with the problems, which come at a significant cost to the taxpayer.

He said: “The existing processes available to us take too long. We can issue Section 77 notices as a council but it can take up to two weeks before any illegal encampment is moved on. The police can use Section 61 powers but they can be quite hit and miss as to when they are used. This is not having a pick on travellers because they are travellers, it is because of the issues coming with illegal incursions.” The meeting will take place at Southend Civic Centre on Thursday at 6.30pm.