Colchester Sports Park sees traveller encampment moved on

Onlookers reported spotting 22 caravans enter the Northern Gateway Sports Park in Colchester at about 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Police officers were called to the state-of-the-art site, which opened in 2021, after the site was accessed.

Mile End councillor Martin Goss said Essex Police had to intervene on Wednesday morning as “their behaviour was a danger to the public”.

Litter - a trail of rubbish was left at the Northern Gateway Sports Park (Image: Newsquest)

The force said officers had to take “quick and decisive action” in clearing the property following “disruption to staff and members of the public”.

The sports fields, which include two all-weather pitches, a one mile cycle track and a multi-use sports centre, were cleared by 3pm.

A trail of litter was left behind but Colchester Council staff worked to clear it by Wednesday evening.

A spokesman said: “We were alerted on Tuesday night to 22 caravans and associated vehicles and that they had gained access to land at Colchester Sports Park.

State of the art - Colchester's Northern Gateway Sports Park (Image: Newsquest)

“There was evidence that the travellers had broken into the site, damaging and moving bollards and locks.

“The police made an assessment and issued a Section 60c notice ordering the travellers to leave the site 3pm on Wednesday, which they did.

“The site was left clear, rubbish bagged and later collected by the local neighbourhood team.”

The incident came just one week after an unauthorised encampment pitched up on land off Axial Way.

Broken into - Colchester's Northern Gateway Sports Park (Image: Colchester Council)

And in May, 18 travellers set up on Hilly Fields, having moved on from land in Mill Road.

Figures from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities show there were 38 traveller caravans recorded in Colchester in January, up from 32 the year before.

Of them, three did not have planning permission.

Speaking previously, Colchester Council leader David King said he recognises the “upset and concern” traveller incursions cause to residents.

"We will, as ever, respond firmly and quickly to ensure removal is swift, clean up follows as necessary and that any learning including security reinforcements where that is practical is implemented and followed through,” he added.