COLCHESTER Rugby Club's site is now free of travellers after the group were giving their marching orders.

Colchester Council confirmed a Section 61 was served by the police yesterday and the site is now clear of the travellers’ encampment.

They are rumoured to be in the Great Tey and Marks Tey area.

They first broke into the site on Sunday afternoon.

Ward councillor Martin Goss praised Essex Police for choosing to action their powers and ensuring the situation ended peacefully.

He said: "I have to commend them in the end for their diligence. The right action has been taken and we can restore the land and services as quickly as possible.

"Clearly they realised there had been a high number of calls and complaints including those written to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, which is what people were advised to do if they were unhappy with the response.

"It could've gone on a lot longer if to council had to go through the court process. I'm grateful to the police for stepping in to bring about a swift conclusion."

It is not clear how long sports activities at the site will be delayed for but 02 Touch Rugby is cancelled tonight.