THREE days of horrifying reports in the Echo have exposed the exploitation of vulnerable people by some sections of the travelling community.

The term slave labour, used by the exploiters themselves, is wholly apt.

The response has been predictably vehement. The words of Basildon Lib Dem leader Geoff Williams sum up the tone when he says: "It must be eradicated."

Fine words. But will they now be followed by the sort of action required?

This abomination was already known both to local police and the UK Human Trafficking Centre, the organisation responsible for tackling this area of crime. Yet they have done nothing.

Now the extent of this slavery in our midst has been made public, with full evidence. Excuses are no longer acceptable.

The spotlight will continue to shine both on the scandal itself and on those who should be combating it.

The task could become easier, since the police may now find support from an unexpected source.

Among those horrified by this use of modern-day slaves are other members of the travelling community, who do not want their name besmirched by this abuse.