FED-UP Basildon Council chiefs have hit another hurdle in their battle to clear illegal traveller sites...this summer’s World Cup.

Delays to the eviction of scores of families at Hovefields, Wickford, and Dale Farm, Crays Hill, near Billericay, are being pinned on Essex Police.

The force says a priority this summer is to focus on the policing of the World Cup, which starts in South Africa next month.

Extra officers on the ground are needed to maintain public order in pubs showing matches while keeping a close eye on airport security, in case known hooligans try to fly to games.

The latest delay has surfaced after it emerged the council failed to impose a planned 28-day notice period on the travellers at the beginning of the month.

Council leader Tony Ball said: “We are in the hands of the police in particular.

“Meanwhile, we continue to work with the travellers to achieve a peaceful settlement.”

Divisional commander Chief Supt Glenn Caton accepted the timings were not great.

He said: “We have got to police the World Cup, and there are other things that have an impact too.

“We will advise the council when enough officers are available.”

The council has been in a position to evict since January, when it hired bailiff firm Constant & Co.

Since then, it has been negotiating with the 90-plus families, encouraging them to leave of their own accord.

Travellers’ spokesman Rich-ard Sheridan hopes to meet council chiefs to discuss putting in an outline planning application to move the families to land off Gardiners Lane South, Basildon.

He said: “We continue to meet the council and are just living each day by day.”

Crays Hill residents vented frustration at the ongoing delays at the latest Ramsden Crays Parish Council meeting.

David McPherson-Davis, a parish councillor, said: “It was decided to write to the council asking for an explanation as to why the 28-day notices have yet to be served.”