LEGAL action is being taken against travellers who have failed to leave a Shoebury site.
An unauthorised encampment was set up at the Bellway Homes site at Gunners Park on Friday evening.
Pictures seen by the Echo show several caravans on the housebuilder’s land.
It is believed the travellers arrived at the site after leaving Warners Bridge Park, in Sumpters Way, which is the home of Southend Rugby Club.
The Shoebury community has become frustrated, with one inhabitant saying on social media: “Residents are unhappy about the lack of response so far.”
But two councillors have confirmed they are doing everything in their power to remove the encampment.
Independent Shoebury councillor Nick Ward confirmed Southend Council is aware of the encampment and that enforcement action has commenced.
The travellers were given until 6pm on Saturday to leave the site before being forced to move on.
But the unrepentant travellers failed to comply and remained at the site on Sunday.
Mr Ward said: “We are in contact with the landowners and the police to draw this to a conclusion.”
In a statement posted on Twitter, Southend Council’s Conservative community safety and public protection boss James Courtenay confirmed “there’s a legal process [the council] will follow as soon as possible”.
Mr Courtenay also reiterated “it is made more complex when it’s land not owned by the council”.
Police officers can only enforce their legal powers if encampments fail to move after being asked to do so by the landowner.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Unauthorised encampments are a civil matter of trespass and, in the first instance, landowners have powers to get an encampment to move.
“When one is reported to us, we will speak to the travellers, the landowner and relevant local authorities.
“We will assess the site and work with partners and landowners to ensure the most appropriate response according to the individual circumstances of each case.
“We can only use policing powers under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act when a landowner has taken reasonable steps to ask an encampment to leave.
“We will investigate any reports of criminal offences and anti-social behaviour.”
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