TRAVELLERS who pitched up on private land next to the site of an ancient Roman temple have been asked to leave.

A group of about 12 caravans were spotted by landowner David Barbour at around 8.45pm on Tuesday.

After Mr Barbour contacted the police, most of the caravans moved on, but three were still present at the site as of yesterday afternoon.

“The police have been extremely helpful,” said Mr Barbour. “I noticed last night around a dozen or more caravans were on the site.

“The police were called and ushered them away, but about three caravans were still there.

“This is a small, triangular parcel of land with a padlocked gate. They have seemingly got through the gate - the padlock has gone.

“I went to see them with two police officers and said I was the landowner and that this is private land.

“They asked if they could stay for a couple of days.

“This land is hopefully earmarked as part of the future development of Gosbecks.

“It is ironic as they pitched up on land which is going to be kept as nice, open space.

“There are surveys being undertaken on the land at the moment, a reptile study was due to be undertaken today but they couldn’t do it because of the group.

“I am sure the group don’t mean any harm and are not intending to be a problem, but this is private land.

“This is land adjacent to the archaeological park, where there have been extraordinary finds including a Roman Temple.”

Gosbecks Archaeological Park is owned by Colchester Council and covers 65 hectares consisting mostly of grassland and farmland.

It is home to some of the biggest Roman finds ever recorded, including the largest of the five known Roman theatres in Britain with seating for up to 5,000 people.

Mr Barbour added: “Trial trenches have been dug on the site before, it has been looked at by archaeologists.

“I will wait to see whether the group move on, if they don’t then I will see what further action must be taken.”

The arrival follows a spate of incidents involving travellers in Colchester over the past week.

The Ministry of Defence acted to remove travellers off Abbey Field and land off Berechurch Hall Road, but the Garrison was left to clear up substantial mess.

A Colchester Garrison spokesman said the groups had left “significant” amounts of rubbish, including human excrement.