EURO MP Tim Aker has hit back at a traveller group after they reported him to the Equality and Human Rights Commission for his remarks over a travellers’ site in Grays.

The Traveller Movement reported Mr Aker, also a Thurrock councillor, after he said illegal traveller encampments should be made a criminal offence.

Mr Aker made reference to the Malvern Road site in Grays, which last week was granted temporary five-year planning permission from the Government.

The group has reported the councillor because it believes he singled out the families on the site.

But Mr Aker said: “When the organisation Traveller Movement stands for election, it has a right to say what is and what is not in the interests of the people. Until then, it can butt out.

“I have had great success and completely positive feedback from constituents to my campaign to make unauthorised traveller sites a criminal offence, like in Ireland. If the best that its campaign can do is to report me to the equalities commission, it is a lot like the hopeless seeking help from the pointless.

“Where is the equality for my constituents, who see their money pay for the clear-up of illegal sites and less money going towards local services.”