THE number of illegal traveller plots across Basildon has rocketed by 81 per cent in the past two years, it was revealed today.
Up to July this year there were 174 unauthorised plots in the district compared to just 96 in 2002, figures from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister revealed.
The bulk of these are at Crays Hill in Billericay and Hovefields off the A127 in Wickford.
The increase is also mirrored in neighbouring Thurrock where the number has escalated by 173 per cent from 85 to 147 plots over the same period.
The report shows Essex as one of the worst hit areas in the country for an increase in the illegal traveller plots.
More in today's Echo
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