More than 30 concerned residents watched as councillors visited the site of 12 proposed travellers’ pitches.

They visited Green Lane in Crockleford Heath yesterday, where Romany traveller Will Banks hopes to install the pitches.

Parish councils in nearby Ardleigh, Elmstead Market and Great Bromley have come together to oppose the plans, with a fighting fund set up and thousands of pounds donated to the cause.

Ardleigh Parish Council chairman Tim Barrott said: “If this was an application for housing it would already have been thrown out – it doesn’t fulfil any planning criteria.

“It’s just a chance for them to get rid of 12 of the 15 travellers’ pitches they need to bring to the district.”

Gloria Geoghegan, who lives in Green Lane, added: “We are fighting for our homes.

“If this goes ahead we will literally have lost everything we’ve worked for.”

The protesters have been supported by North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin.

The application will be decided next Wednesday by members of Tendring’s development control committee at Clacton’s Princes’ Theatre.

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