A group of travellers pitched up at Witham’s popular River Walk.

Approximately eight caravans are thought to have arrived on the land, near to Armond Road, on Friday.

Braintree Council issued a direction for the caravans to leave the land by Wednesday afternoon, however the travellers remained on Thursday evening.

The council was forced to acquire a court order to remove the camp from the popular walking route.

A spokesperson for Braintree Council said: “A summons was served on the travellers yesterday for a court hearing today.

"This will most likely give them 24 hours to vacate the land.

"Once vacated, we will make arrangements together with Witham Town Council to clear up the site and consider how best to secure it against future unauthorised encampments.”