TRAVELLERS currently pitched up at a beauty spot in Colchester may take up to ten days to leave, council bosses fear.

The encampment, believed to be made up of about 18 caravans, relocated to Hilly Fields just hours before they were ordered to leave another field.

The group had set up at a site in Mill Road last week, before landowner Colchester Council secured a court directive to have them moved on. 

On Sunday evening the travellers left the Mill Road site and moved three miles down the road to Hilly Fields. 

The Gazette understands the move came hours before a court order would have required them to leave. 

Gazette: Site - the travellers have relocated from Mile End to Hilly FieldsSite - the travellers have relocated from Mile End to Hilly Fields (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester Council said it is “aware of the unauthorised encampment”, adding the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) has served another "direction to leave" notice yesterday.

The council also said a court summons was being drafted to request a court date.

However, the authority has now said it may take them seven to ten days to regain possession of the land. 

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A spokesman said: “The Police Rural Engagement Team has conducted a site assessment on the encampment and determined that the threshold for using their section 61 powers has not been met.

“Nevertheless, they will continue to visit the site daily and reassess at each visit.

“We understand this situation may cause concern among members of the local community, and we want to assure them that we are taking all necessary steps to address it.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve this matter.”

Gazette: Travellers - a group of about 18 caravans had previous set up in Mill RoadTravellers - a group of about 18 caravans had previous set up in Mill Road (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester Council has said a padlock was broken at the new site, which has been reported to the police.

The unauthorised encampment of 18 caravans first appeared at the playing fields in Mill Road, Mile End, on Sunday, May 14.

It is illegal for travellers to remain on land or to fail to remove their property without reasonable excuse when asked to do so.

If convicted, the maximum penalty will be three months imprisonment or a fine of up to £2,500, or both.