TRAVELLERS have been ordered to tear down a warehouse after an Echo investigation revealed it was used as a furniture distribution centre.

Basildon Council has slapped enforcement notices on the metal building because it was erected on green belt without planning permission.

A month ago, the Echo carried a front page picture of a lorry making deliveries to the large metal warehouse at the Oak Lane travellers' camp in Crays Hill.

At the time, planning officers said they were still investigating the use of the building, which local residents have complained about for months.

Now the landowner has been given four weeks to remove the warehouse, which is believed to be used for storing furniture shipped in from around Europe.