TWO illegal traveller sites were set up in Colchester over the weekend.

About 20 caravans pitched up on fields opposite Stanway School and the former Heath special needs school, in Winstree Road, on Friday.

Another four caravans drove onto land off Axial Way on Saturday.

An Essex Police spokesman said bailiffs acting on behalf of the landowner at Axial Way had ordered the travellers to leave by Monday.

Officers are continuing to monitor the situation, but it is expected to be several days before the group in Winstree Road is ordered off the fields.

Lesley Scott-Boutell, former borough councillor for Stanway, said: “Some residents have called me and I have spoken to the police who were on the site on Friday.

“I was told on Friday night there were about 20 vans.

“When I spoke to the police they were liaising with the security company at the land.”

The land is believed to be owned by Essex County Council.

Mrs Scott-Boutell said she would be speaking to officers at both County Hall and Colchester Council to see if any further action could be taken.

Police can only ask travellers to leave a site if they believe they have conducted any criminal activity.

While it is the first time travellers have pitched up in Winstree Road, camps have previously been set up in nearby Warren Lane.

The Heath School has been empty since it closed some years ago. Essex Police were called to the site shortly before 3.50pm on Friday.

A spokesman said: “Officers found a number of vehicles and caravans.

“They spoke with the travellers and monitored the situation overnight, before returning on Saturday.

“We are liaising with the landowner and local authorities and will continue to monitor the situation and speak to all parties involved.”