EVICTION action has begun after a second group of travellers pitched up on a playing field in Clacton yesterday.

Two caravans, three vehicles and three tents arrived on the Burrs Road Playing Field opposite Burrs Road Cemetery.

The land is owned by Tendring Council and officers spoke to the group about their intentions.

They said that they needed to get access to a hospital following a recent birth but did not state how long they expected to stay.

The travellers were told that the council would be taking action and legal proceedings would follow if they do not move.

Essex Countywide Traveller Unit has been informed and has visited the site and will be issuing a Direction to Leave today. That will give the group 24 hours to vacate the area or the matter will be dealt with through the courts.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council's cabinet member for housing, said that this is the second group of Travellers to take over a playing field in Clacton in the past few days.

On Friday afternoon seven caravans and a number of vehicles set up in St Johns Road behind Whitehall Academy and Clacton Coastal Academy.

“That group was issued with a Direction to Leave yesterday and if they have not left within 24 hours the ECTU will look to get a court date for a hearing,” added Mr Honeywood.

“It will be exactly the same process with those in Burrs Road and we will follow through with the legal procedure as required to achieve a successful eviction as quickly as possible.”

Both groups have set up near to children’s play equipment.

Travellers have also camped on The Bury in front of St Osyth Priory but that land is not in the ownership of the Council and will be for the Priory’s owners to deal with.