TRAVELLERS have ignored an order by Southend Council to move off from East Beach in Shoebury.

The group of six caravans set up on the land, after the barrier was left open on Friday.

Council officers ordered they must move on by the end of Monday, April 7.

Now the council says it is considering what legal options are available.

Anita Thornberry, head of enterprise, tourism and regeneration at Southend Council, said: "The council is currently seeking legal solutions in relation to people occupying council land at Shoebury East Beach without permission."

The travellers had been in the car park of Homebase store at Rayleigh Weir for most of Friday before turning up in Shoebury.

Shoebury ward councillor Mike Assenheim said he had received numerous calls about the travellers and raised questions about why the gate was not locked.