Travellers are reported to have arrived in a country lane in Wickford.

The encampment of reportedly four caravans pitched up in Newlands Road between 10am and 11.30am this morning.

Following their arrival, Peter Holliman, councillor for Wickford North said: "The council is aware of the encampment and I hope they will be served notice to leave as soon as possible.

"It encourages even more so our calls to take the Irish option to make trespassing a criminal offence, however, we would like to take it further by being able to allow the council officers to have powers to issue the same force as police.

"Many areas in the borough and the rest of the county have been affected by traveller Encampments in recent times and I hope other councils will be looking at Basildon's approach and crossing their fingers."

It is not confirmed whether the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit has attended the encampment.

The Echo has contacted both Basildon and Essex County Council following their arrival.