TRAVELLERS have set up home in a council car park in Colchester.

The arrivals from Dublin have taken over parts of the Sheepen Road long stay car park.

Eight caravans, including some luxury ones, about a dozen other vehicles and some portable toilets have been parked at the site opposite Colchester Council's head office since earlier this week.

They are not believed to have paid for parking.

The site, which has barriers which it is understood were left up, has been regularly used by travellers.

Among the vehicles are work vans for M & K Plant Nationwide and R & Q Tools Dublin.

One of the arrivals, who would not give his name, said: "We are off to Dublin tomorrow (Friday)."

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "There is an unauthorised encampment of travellers.

"This land is owned by Colchester Council and the Essex Countywide Travellers Unit visited the site and asked them to leave as there are no immediate welfare or health concerns.

"Having failed to leave the site after being given 24 hours to leave, paperwork which was prepared by the ECTU’s legal team has now been served. 

"The matter is due to be heard in court on Monday.

"The court summons is due to be served on the travellers today giving them 48 hours’ notice of the court date.”

If an eviction notice is granted they will have to move within seven to 10 days.

They arrived over the weekend.