TEN travellers’ caravans have been illegally pitched close to a popular gym.

The travellers arrived on the Colchester Council-owned land in Axial Way, Colchester, close to the David Lloyd health club, at about 6.30pm on Sunday.

Colchester councillor for Mile End Martin Goss (Lib Dem) said he informed Essex Police and Essex Countywide Traveller Unit when he heard of their arrival and said the council might need to take drastic action to stop the problem recurring.

He said: “These incursions need to stop.

“I know it’s legally challenging to get a borough-wide banning order as it involves going to the High Court with a gamut of evidence to prove we are always suffering illegal encroachments on a daily or weekly basis, but if this regularity carries on, we may well need to look at this route.”

Mr Goss said police can use their emergency powers if there is a danger to the public.

A Colchester Council spokesperson said it would also take action to move the travellers on from its land.

He said: “The Essex Countywide Traveller Unit will visit the site to carry out initial welfare checks.If there are no immediate welfare or health concerns, such as pregnancy or illness requiring medical supervision, the travellers will be asked to leave the site.

“If the travellers do not leave the site, we will need to go through the courts to ensure their removal.

“If we have to apply for a court order, the procedure will take between seven to days.”