A NUMBER of caravans have been parked up on Army land in Colchester. 

Travellers have set up camp on land next to Corporal Budd VC gym, by the tennis courts and football field off Berechurch Road.

The land is part of Colchester Garrison and owned by the Army.

An Army spokesman said: “We are aware of an issue with incursion onto Colchester Garrison land near the Corporal Budd VC Gymnasium and are seeking to resolve the matter as swiftly as possible.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Councillor Dave Harris, who spotted the encampment being set up at about 6pm yesterday, said: “The processes will kick in, the army are aware and the police are aware.

“The Essex Traveller Liaison group run by the Government and Essex County Council are working with the travellers onsite.

“I have every confidence that they will deal with the situation accordingly.”

In July, a herd of caravans had previously been set up at the Northern Gateway park.

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

An amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was passed on Tuesday, June 28 2022. The bill has given police greater powers to tackle encampments, allowing them to seize vehicles.