TRAVELLERS who pitched up illegally on a field in Basildon are expected to be ordered to leave the site by Thursday.

The family of 14 adults and ten children, who pitched up seven caravans on Beacon Field in Langdon Hills last Wednesday, failed to leave the site when instructed by the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU).

As a result, the Unit served a summons on them yesterday, ordering them to appear in court tomorrow.

It’s expected they will now be issued with a court order to vacate the site, based near Westley Heights Country Park, by Thursday latest.

Councillor Stephen Hillier, who represents the Langdon Hills ward, said: “This is an illegal encampment, they shouldn’t be there full stop.

“It’s known that you can’t just occupy any land you like as if it’s yours. It’s not for residential use, it’s not the first time we’ve had travellers there.

“I agree a court order should be in place ordering they should vacate the site. Why should we not enforce against those who are breaking the law, just because they’re from the traveller community.”

Councillor Kerry Smith, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said it was now the third time travellers have moved onto this site illegally. He said: “In the past they’ve dumped things there like fridges.

“I have asked Thurrock Council to install a height barrier onto the site, I am still waiting for a response. People have told me they aren’t able to visit or walk their dogs there anymore, plenty of community groups who regularly use the facilities, can’t.

“I’m publicly calling on the chief executive of Thurrock Council, who pay to manage the site, to put these barriers in. There wouldn’t be this problem if they were there.”

On Monday, the Echo spoke to a member of the traveller group, who stated they would be happy to pay rent if they had a permanent traveller site to live on.

Mr Hillier continued: “Within our local plan there are a number of sites which we have marked for the traveller community to potentially use.

“These are just ideas until the plans are adopted.”