Police stood guard as more than a dozen travellers' caravans were driven away from a south Essex nature reserve.

Clearing out - travellers are moved on from Leigh Marshes Picture: MAXINE CLARKE 4EGJW8

Bailiffs, armed with a court order, persuaded families to peacefully abandon the site in Leigh which had been their "home" for more than two weeks.

But just an hour later the travellers set up camp on playing fields at Woodside Park, Thundersley. By this morning, however, they had again moved on after Castle Point Council and police took swift action.

Yesterday's police action came after an eviction notice was granted by Southend County Court on Tuesday ordering the travellers to leave. Nine police officers accompanied bailiffs and council officers to oversee the move and ensure it passed off peacefully.

Meanwhile, travellers who are illegally camped near Rayleigh Weir have vowed to fight to stay there. Castle Point Council is to take enforcement action against the travellers.

Published Thursday September 2, 2004

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