A group of travellers’ caravans which settled in Stifford Clays and Stanford-le-Hope last night have been cleared by police.

Police and councillors were first called to a Stifford Clays back road, behind Grange Waters, yesterday.

Four caravans were moved on from the Stifford Clays site after they were served a Section 61 by police.

A council spokesman said six caravans then arrived at the Stanford le Hope recreation ground and the Manorway last night. The group were also served a Section 61 and moved on by 10am this morning.

Council Leader Rob Gledhill said that seeing police use their powers showed that Thurrock “will no longer be a soft touch” and the police and council were taking a “zero tolerance” approach.

Mr Gledhill said: "This action is beginning to show that Thurrock will no longer be a 'soft touch' when it comes to illegal encampments within our borough.

"I'm pleased that Essex Police responded quickly and have been on site putting their powers into action – we are committed to taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal activity in our community.

A staff member at Thurrock Rugby Club said they had seen a van approach the club and ask to read the gas meter on Thursday night, but told them “no chance, the gates are locked.”

She said in a confrontation with travellers from Chadwell last year, the group were told their caravans would be ‘blocked in’ with concrete blocks across the drive.

Ms Burrows said: “We make it quite clear. Block ‘em off – that’s the best way.”

"Last time they drove in and I just went up to them and said to them you can’t park here, if you park here you will not be able to leave and will not be able to get your vehicles out.”

“You will be locked in here and we will have to prosecute.”

She said: “He said thanks very much for telling us that and off they went.”

 She added: “I haven’t got an issue with travellers, that’s their lifestyle. We don’t have any problems with the registered sites at the end of the lane."

Mr Gledhill said: "I fully appreciate that Section 61 cannot be applied to every situation, but residents should be assured that we, as a council, are pushing our police partners to use it every time they can."

Section 61 allows police to assess an encampment and if it meets certain criteria, gives them powers to move it on.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: "Essex Police has been working with Thurrock Council to address the issues with illegal traveller encampments which have been on the increase in the Thurrock district.

"Essex Police successfully used section 61 powers on Thursday evening to move travellers on from encampments in Stanford-le-Hope after it was clearly identified the criteria to use such legislation had been met.

"We will continue to have dialogue with various agencies in the district to continue to tackle this matter."

Three councillors attended at Stanford le Hope recreation ground to assist with the enforcement, Councillors Pauline Tolson, Shane Hebb and Terry Piccolo.