Police used Section 61 powers to move on a large travellers’ camp last night from Purfleet Road.

Around 30 caravans, along with other vehicles, set up on private land near Essex Sport Village along Purfleet Road yesterday.

The caravans were “mostly moved on” by around 9pm last night.

Thurrock Council Leader Rob Gledhill praised the police using their powers, calling it a “great result.”

Council Leader Rob Gledhill said: “Recently, I have been critical of Essex Police – but tonight has been a great example of how partnership working and better communication can achieve great outcomes.

“Clearly, since Monday’s meeting with senior police officials and the Local Authority, we are already working better together, for the people of Thurrock.”

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said police called Chief Executive Lyn Carpenter at 7pm last night, and outlined their plan to use Section 61 powers with one hour’s notice.

Councillor Gledhill added that the same result could not be expected on public land.

Mr Gledhill said it “needed to be made clear” that section 61 powers could not be used in all situations.

He said: “Usually, with encampments on public land, we have to follow a legal process which takes around 10 working days.

“We work with experts at the Essex County Wide Traveller Unit (ECTU) to ensure this process is followed as quickly as legally possible.

“This encampment was treated differently and separate police powers (Section 61) were used to move the encampment on in the same day.”

He said: “We try to push the police to use section 61 powers on many of Thurrock’s encampments but it is simply not possible – very particular conditions and assessments have to be made and most of the time it is not reasonable or appropriate.

“We will continue to do all that we can to help the police use other sections of the same act or other legislative powers to stop these unauthorised encampments.”

Essex Police said: "Police were contacted shortly after 5.10pm on August 4 with reports of an unauthorised traveller encampment at Essex Sports Village in Purfleet Road, South Ockendon.

"Officers attended and spoke with the landowner and travellers. A notice under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act was served informing them they had to leave.

"They left by about 9pm."