Council chiefs today decided to seal off a public beach because of fears travellers could invade the area.
No entry - a Closed notice bars the way to Shoebury East Beach in case evicted travellers decide to set up camp there Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
Southend Council has closed Shoebury East Beach because of worries that travellers evicted from mid-Essex could be heading to the town.
Southend's open areas and parks are also being patrolled more heavily to prevent a possible influx of caravan owners who have been turned off land in Chelmsford.
Four people were arrested and two were injured on Monday morning when Chelmsford Borough Council officials sent in contract staff with a court order to clear travellers from a site in Cranham Road, Little Waltham.
Published Wednesday January 28, 2004
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