A public inquiry into a proposed change of use for green belt land in Billericay, by travellers who want to make it their permanent home, is set to go ahead next week.

Oak Lane in Crays Hill could be the permanent home for more than 20 caravans if the families using them get their way and they are allowed to continue their stay.

Unwanted neighbours - residents are fighting moves to allow these travellers, in Crays Hill, to stay Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Residents of Crays Hill are up in arms about the plans and have called many public meetings in an effort to block the development of the site, saying the travellers are ruining their environment.

It is estimated that nearly 50 per cent of registered travelling families in Basildon district are parked up in neighbouring Oak Road.

There is a licensed travellers site in the lane for a small number of families, but - despite Basildon Council's attempts to control the expansion of the plot - more than 30 families are currently camped in the area, which includes Oak Place and Dale Farm.

A neighbour of the site, Len Gridley, says he has been forced to work from home, so he can keep watch on his house 24 hours-a-day, and has spent £10,000 on a new security system for his home. Now a camera keeps a watchful eye on the garden.

Residents fears escalated in October when the site was the scene of a murder of one of the travellers.

Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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