FOOTBALL club bosses say travellers have taken over their pitch and have been emptying portable toilets in nearby bushes.

Four caravans and two vans set up home at Gas Recreation Football Club’s ground in Bromley Road, Colchester, about two weeks ago.

Since then, the club representatives say they have also been driving on their pitches and littering.

Mark Ennew, club secretary, said: “They come every year, which is a problem.

“I can’t believe the authorities can’t do anything about it.”

Bromley Road Dental Surgery, which is at the front of the site, cannot lock its gates while they are on the site as it is not allowed to lock the travellers in, leaving their premises vulnerable.

Travellers have visited the site several times, and on the last occasion a group of about 15 caravans stayed for three weeks.

In 2014, developer Dishland, which owns the site, submitted plans to build 32 homes, 18 flats and other facilities on the site.

But the plans were thrown out by Colchester Council.

Samantha Eastwood, practice manager at Bromley Road Dental Surgery, added: “We’re disappointed the land is still vacant.

“We would rather it be used to boost our community with extra amenities, rather than having nuisance gypsies there.”

The Gazette attempted to speak to the travellers but they refused.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The football ground is privately owned and Essex Police have contacted and been in continued discussions with the football ground’s landowner and the travellers.”