AN unauthorised encampment of travellers remain at a Colchester beauty spot despite being threatened with court action.

The Essex Countywide Traveller Unit was sent to Whitmore Drive, in Mile End, on Wednesday morning following reports of several caravans parked in an area near to Kingswood Heath.

Police were made aware of the travellers, as were housing firms Taylor Wimpey, Bloor Homes, and Bellway, given the proximity of the encampment to their estates.

After being told to move on, the travellers eventually upped sticks, only to find a new base in High Woods Country Park a short while later.

They have since been threatened with the courts if they do not leave, but as of today still remain. 

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “As of today, the unauthorised encampment in the Highwoods Country Park car park remains.

"Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) officers served a Direction to Leave notice yesterday, and we are currently pursuing a court order to regain possession of the car park.

“We understand this situation may be frustrating. Unfortunately, the legal process to secure a court date typically takes 7-10 days.

"We appreciate the public’s patience as we work to resolve this matter.”

 

Martin Goss, Liberal Democrat's parliamentary candidate for Colchester and Mile End councillor, previously said he is not happy with the encampment. 

He said: “As much as I understand rocking up on open spaces and pitching caravans is normality for the traveling community, to many this is alien, especially near a school which simply isn’t appropriate for numerous reasons.

“This does nothing to ingratiate our unwanted guests to the local community.”

The latest encampment in Colchester comes after more than a dozen caravans set up in Colchester’s Britannia Car Park back in January.

The Essex Countywide Travellers Unit (ECTU) has responsibility for unauthorised encampments within Colchester.

The ECTU can be contacted through Essex County Council's contact centre on 03457 430 430 Monday to Friday from 8.30am - 6pm or out of hours on 03330321110.