TRAVELLERS from the notorious Dale Farm site could move north to an industrial site near Witham.

Campaigners for the illegal site in Crays Hill, near Billericay, approached Basildon Council asking for its help to relocate some of the 86 families to land on the market in mid-Essex.

Its now emerged the site being looked at is 3.3 acres off Freebornes Road, Witham, currently marketed by Kemsley Property Consultants.

It is on offer to buy or for long-term rent as the whole site, or in smaller plots.

The travellers, who are set to be evicted after years of legal wrangling, have asked the council if it believes it is a suitable site to move several of the families and if so, will approach Braintree Council about the possibility.

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “The council has received correspondence from the Dale Farm Housing Association about a possible site in Witham and is investigating the matter.”

Witham mayor Barry Fleet said: “This is the first I’ve heard about it. The land there is for industrial use first and foremost and it is one of the prime industrial areas for Witham. I’m not sure any other use is appropriate.

“Whether it would be welcomed by the town council or Witham people, it is difficult to comment.”

Sally Carpenter, of Witham Industrial Watch, added: “It’s completely inappropriate because it is an industrial area.

“The only area that’s not industrial is the sewage works, and the industry runs from Freebournes Road right back to the other roads going around town.”

Grattan Puxon, a campaigner for Dale Farm, said: “We have had confirmation from the Government that Basildon will be required to find land for 62 pitches by 2011. We would prefer these to be at Dale Farm, but by doing this we are showing we are making efforts to find an alternative in or outside the district.”

A Kemsley director, who asked not to be named, said offers are sought of over £600,000 an acre.

He said: “I think it highly unlikely the local authority would effectively give residential type planning permission.”