COUNCIL bosses are working to evict a large group of travellers from a country park in Clacton.

Up to 12 caravans got onto Brook Country Park on the outskirts of the town through a chained entrance in London Road at about 8pm on Thursday.

Tendring Council, which runs the site, was informed about the unauthorised encampment by residents.

The council says there are a number of other vehicles on the land as well as a mini-digger which they said was used to remove a concrete bollard to gain access.

The Essex Countywide Traveller Unit has been informed and is visiting the travellers today to take details and speak to the group.

They will be served with a direction to leave, giving the group 24 hours to leave the site.

The council says further action will be taken through the courts if they fail to move on.

Council cabinet spokesman Paul Honeywood said that from the reports the council received, the group broke a lock on the gate and removed a concrete bollard blocking their way onto the park.

“We have now begun the process to have the travellers evicted and that will be completed as quickly as we possibly can,” he said.

“We will be using whatever powers that we have available to us and working closely with the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit.”