Youngsters from an illegal travellers' camp have been causing chaos at a neighbouring football ground by allegedly shooting at players with air rifles and catapults.
One cup match had to be abandoned in extra time when the salvos of stones and pellets became so severe.
Now the managers of Thurrock Sunday League's ground at North Stifford are hoping that legal action will succeed in evicting the travellers before this weekend's fixtures. A notice is due to be served today requiring the caravans to move.
The travellers moved on to Lakeside Shopping Centre's overflow coach park, near the Safeway roundabout on the A1306, about three weeks ago.
Children from the camp have been playing havoc at the ground next door which rents out pitches for games ranging from boys football to top Essex league fixtures.
President and treasurer of the Thurrock Sunday League, Ted Fairchild, said: "We had the police there several times but they said that unless we could pick out the individuals doing the shooting - which obviously we couldn't - there was nothing they could do."
A spokesman for Lakeside said yesterday action was being pursued through the county court and it was hoped to serve a notice requiring the travellers to move.
An Essex police spokesman said: "We appreciate the frustrations of people trying to use the football ground, but we have been unable to take any action because no one could pinpoint the culprits."
Published Friday October 11, 2002
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