A clean-up operation is to start after a site was vacated by a group of travellers.

Eviction notices were served on the convoy of travellers next to the Spinnaker pub in the Hythe, Colchester, on Wednesday.

They moved off the area at the deadline of noon on Friday - but left behind an eyesore in their wake.

Derelict caravans litter at the site and rubbish was left strewn across the area.

Police escorted the travellers off the site, which is owned by North East Essex Building Group, which plans to redevelop the site for housing.

The developers have constructed a large concrete barrier and metal gate across the entrance to prevent further encampments.

A spokesman said the company did not wish to comment, but said: "The landlord has to pick up the bill for cleaning it up. We have already had to fund putting in a barrier."

Insp Paul Fieldsend, of Colchester police, said: "The people there have all gone peacefully with no problems at all.

"The owner of the land is now securing the site. We did have quite a large turn-out from business premises there who were very pleased to see them leave."

Travellers had moved on to the land several weeks ago and, at the peak, there were about 30 caravans with about 100 people living there.

Colchester Divisional Commander Julian Field paid the area a visit before he sanctioned the serving of an eviction order to talk to the travellers and business owners.

He said: "Members of the business community say there have been a few problems down there.

"Using discretionary powers, I authorised the serving of a notice which gives police the authority to require the travellers to leave the land."

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