COUNCIL bosses have taken the next step towards a possible second eviction at Dale Farm.

Families living illegally in 18 caravans in Oak Lane next to the former illegal site bulldozed last year have been served with letters requesting confidential personal information.

The details, which will include individual information about their health and wellbeing, and any education and housing needs, will be considered by councillors when they vote over what action to take against the breaches by the end of the year.

The letters were issued by process servers for Basildon Council on Friday.

Council leader Tony Ball said: “We remain as committed as ever to upholding the law and this is the next step in the process to ensure compliance with the enforcement notices that we served in July and expired on 29 September.

“I am extremely disappointed but not surprised that the travellers have chosen to ignore the notices so far, but today makes it clear that we are committed to going through the correct process to ensure the law is upheld and these breaches are dealt with.

“The information that we have requested will allow us to take into account personal circumstances before we decide on any future enforcement action in this area.”