'Travellers' set up camp on council-owned field in Chigwell Road, South Woodford - Essex

From the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian

THE owners of four caravans which have been parked on a council-owned field are set to be issued with an eviction notice.

The vehicles moved in on Monday after bollards blocking the entrance to the site in Chigwell Road, South Woodford, were removed on Friday.

Police were at the site on Monday to ensure no more people moved on to the site and reassure residents that action is being taken.

Donny Buck, 34, who lives opposite the field, said: “We have had Travellers at the site before in 2005 and they left the field in an absolute mess.

“It took the council a year to get it looking nice again.

“They will probably try and stay for as long as they can.”

A council spokesman said: “We are aware of an encampment of four caravans on a site in Chigwell Road, which is owned by the council and managed by Vision RCL.

“The council is currently in the process of applying to the courts for an eviction notice, which will be served in due course.

"The Redbridge Community Police Team is working with Vision RCL to secure the site and ensure that no further Travellers gain access.

“Our Emergency Planning Team also visited the site to identify any issues and the police safer neighbourhood teams have been delivering leaflets to properties close to the site to let residents know that the police are aware of the situation and are monitoring it.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the bollards have been removed unlawfully.”