HUNDREDS of travellers facing eviction from Crays Hill could be offered a new legal site at Pitsea, by order of the Government.
Horrified residents of the nearby Chestnut Road estate fear the plan for land between the A13 and c2c railway line, near Pitsea station, will devalue their homes.
The proposal from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's department has infuriated Basildon Council.
The council is being asked to offer 86 families illegally camped at Oak Lane, Crays Hill, the 8.5-acre site off Terminus Drive, Pitsea, to avoid what would be Europe's largest ever eviction.
Tory council leader Malcolm Buckley vowed to fight the plan, but admitted it could be forced on the district.He felt it was wrong to "reward" travellers who set up camp at Crays Hill without authorisation.
Published Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article