Travellers in Colchester served with direction to leave

Six caravans were parked in Magnolia Field on Monday, with travellers setting up gas cannisters, tables, chairs, and barbecues.

Colchester Council has said officials have visited the site and served a direction to leave, adding the authority is hopeful of finding a peaceful resolution.

Clean – one member of the travelling community said they will leave the site as they found it (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

When approached by the Gazette, a member of the travelling community – who did not wish to be named – said they will leave the area clean and free from rubbish.

He said: "We keep all the rubbish bagged and clean – if we come here and it’s clean, then when we leave we make sure it’s still clean.

“We bag the rubbish, let the council come around and then they take the bags away.

“Residents have come here and asked us if we need any water, and kids have come over to play with the dogs – everything is good.”

He continued: “If the police tell us to leave, then we’ll move on to the next town or village.”

Residents in Magnolia Drive seemed unconcerned, with one saying: “It’s the first time we’ve seen it.

“It’s one of those things – as long as they leave it clean, then it’s fine.”

Greenstead councillor Tim Young said he notified Colchester Council and Essex Police’s rural engagement team about the encampment.

He said: “They will liaise with the city council, who own the land, and the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU).

“A notice will be issued and they will have to leave within a few days.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said the authority was aware of “an unauthorised encampment of caravans” and will work to resolve the situation.

Admin – Greenstead councillor Tim Young told the Gazette he had informed Essex Police's rural engagement team, who will now work with the council to move the travellers on (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “The council prefers a peaceful resolution and will initially seek cooperation from the travellers through a notice to leave issued by the ECTU.

“However, if the travellers do not depart voluntarily or if the police do not deem a Section 61 notice appropriate, the council will be forced to apply for a court order to secure their removal.”

Insp Terry Jacobs of the Essex Police rural engagement team said: “We act impartially and proportionately considering the rights of all communities.”