A GROUP of travellers have reportedly moved on to land at the Northern Gateway sports park in Colchester.

The caravans were sighted this morning (Friday, July 1) at the park off the A12.

Colchester Councillor Martin Goss said he had reported the caravans. 

Mr Goss said: “It is totally unacceptable. Legal proceedings are commencing, we will deal with this immediately, police are aware and working to deal with this as soon as possible."

Mr Goss urged anyone with concerns to report it to the police. 

Figures revealed nearly 50 caravans were pitched up in Colchester throughout the summer of 2021.

Data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities showed that in 2021, there were 47 traveller caravans coming into Colchester during one month alone.

An amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was passed on Tuesday, June 28. The bill has given police greater powers to tackle encampments.

The PCSC Act has created a new offence for England and Wales, and given greater power for police to seize property, including vehicles, where individuals reside on land with a vehicle.

The offence will be committed if a person who resides or intends to reside in a vehicle fails to leave the land or remove their property without reasonable excuse when asked to do so.

The maximum penalty will be three months imprisonment or a fine of up to £2,500, or both.