A large traveller site consisting of more than 26 vehciles was moved on - less than 36 hours after they arrived. 

Thurrock Council took swift action, working with partners in Essex Police to ensure they left the site, on Danbury Crescent, South Ockendon as quickly as possible.

The group were reported to Thurrock Council at 9:20am on Sunday 9 September when they set up an unauthorised encampment on the playing field in South Ockendon.

Essex Police used Section 61 powers to move the encampment on ensuring they had left by 4pm on Monday 10 September.

Cllr Rob Gledhill said: “We take a robust approach to dealing with illegal traveller incursions using all possible means to either prevent travellers setting up unauthorised encampments or moving them on as quickly as the law allows. We have a close working relationship with both Essex Police and the Countywide Traveller Unit but are looking to strengthen our position with a Thurrock-wide injunction later in the year to protect public land in the borough.

“This action means that this very large encampment has been moved on quickly and efficiently. We will continue to monitor the situation and will always act immediately when we are informed of unauthorised encampments are setting up in Thurrock.”

“However to help us do this I would strongly encourage residents to report unauthorised encampments and illegal activity by calling the police on 101 or through Crimestoppers as soon as it happens.”

For more information on unauthorised traveller encampments visit: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/unauthorised-traveller-encampments/how-to-report-an-unauthorised-encampment