TRAVELLERS who previously occupied Colchester's Britannia car park have now set up camp at a beauty spot in the city.
Colchester Council has confirmed an “unauthorised encampment of caravans” has moved into Kings Meadow in Lower Castle Park.
The group is understood to have arrived last night having gained access to the site via a gate which was open due to a game being played on the nearby cricket field.
An eyewitness said: “They have set up on the northern edge next to the hedge at the bottom of Kings Meadow Road.
“One caravan, a campervan, one other vehicle and a tent have pitched up."
Bosses at Colchester Council have said the encampment is the same one which previously pitched up at Britannia car park.
It also comes a month after travellers relocated to Turner Road car park at High Woods Country Park after showing up without permission at Whitmore Drive.
A council spokesman said: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment of caravans which arrived at King's Head Meadow in Lower Castle Park last night.
“The group gained access through an open gate at the cricket club. This is the same group which previously occupied Britannia Car Park."
Bosses at the authority have said they are working alongside Essex Police and the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) in a bid to get the encampment moved on.
The ECTU has responsibility for unauthorised encampments within Colchester.
The spokesman added: “Council officers, along with Essex Police and the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit have already visited the site.
"We are working collaboratively to resolve the situation and ensure the travellers move on as swiftly as possible.
“The council prefers a peaceful resolution and will initially seek cooperation from the travellers through a notice to leave issued by the ECTU.
"However, if the travellers do not depart voluntarily or if the police do not deem a Section 61 notice appropriate, the council will be forced to apply for a court order to secure their removal.
"This legal process typically takes seven to ten days.”
An Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) spokesman said: “The Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) is aware of and is managing this encampment on behalf of Colchester City Council.
“Direction to Leave notices were served today (Monday 13 May).”
The ECTU can be contacted through Essex County Council's contact centre on 03457 430 430 Monday to Friday from 8.30am - 6pm or out of hours on 03330321110.
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