Travellers are working illegally from Crays Hill and the traveller site is also being extended without permission, the council has admitted.

The information was revealed at a council meeting by Len Gridley, a resident of Oak Road in Crays Hill, Billericay.

Council leader Malcolm Buckley said: "The council is aware of this issue and is working with other agencies to resolve this and other issues."

When asked about further development around Dale Farm, Mr Buckley explained that the council issued enforcement notices on December 8 on discovering that building work, including the construction of hardstandings, was going on.

But he added that caravans have now arrived on the site, so further action will be taken.

Published Monday December 15, 2003

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