TRAVELLERS have threatened to stay camped near Colchester United’s stadium until an official site is built for them.

Seven caravans are pitched in two side roads near the junction of Axial Way and United Way, a stone’s throw from the U’s ground, right. The families say they will remain there until Essex County Council builds the travellers’ site planned for land off nearby Severalls Lane.

Defiant dad John Johnstone said: “We are being pushed from pillar to post.

“I’d be happy to settle down and get the children into school because I am sick of being on the road.

“We just want somewhere to settle down. I’m going to stay until they build the proper site.”

Land east of Severalls Lane has been identified as the best place for Colchester’s official travellers’ site.

But no work has been done more than two years after planning permission was granted because the scheme is mired in a legal wrangle.

Farmer Stuart St Clair Pearce claims he owns land needed to create a footpath leading to the site and will not sell.

Michael Page, council spokesman, said yesterday plans were continuing to progress and work was due to start later this year.

Across the road yesterday, at a site where travellers stopped last week, the ground was covered in plastic bags and debris.

If the families opt to stay, landowners will be able to take legal action to evict them, but the process can take weeks.

Their presence is not expected to interfere with Colchester United’s next match at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday.