Travellers served with eviction papers after setting up camp on Latton Common - Essex

From the Harlow Star

HARLOW Council has begun legal proceedings to evict a group of Travellers who have set up camp in the town.

Around 15 caravans and several other vehicles, pictured, moved on to the Netteswell Plantation, off Second Avenue, on Friday afternoon. The site is next to the helipad used by Essex Air Ambulance.

As the area is used for emergency access, police were able to serve the group with a notice the same day requesting they vacate the land by noon on Saturday.

The group eventually moved to Latton Common on Sunday where they remain this afternoon(Wednesday).

Councillor Emma Toal, portfolio holder for youth and citizenship, said: "The council has been working closely with the police and both have been in daily dialogue with the Travellers.

"Residents expect us to protect the town’s green spaces and uphold the law and that is what we will do.

"We asked the Travellers to leave Latton Common on Monday and as they are still there we are now taking legal action. There is a legal process to follow but in the meantime we will continue to work with the police to monitor the situation."

A court hearing is due to take place on Friday afternoon in Chelmsford.

A council spokesman added that a team from Kier Harlow had been sent out to the Netteswell Plantation site on Sunday to clear up rubbish left behind by the Travellers.