IT is hoped that travellers will be moved on from a wildlife site on Canvey soon.

Six caravans and vans arrived at the junction of Roscommon Way and Haven Road on Saturday evening.

There are reports that the group had earlier tried to get into the Labworth car park, but new fencing had stopped them.

Instead, the group pitched up on the wildlife area that is fenced off at the side of the road.

Residents have spotted them setting up a barbecue, but there were concerns expressed about two small dogs with the group who were free to run around the nearby roads.

Castle Point councillor Tom Skipp said: “As far as I know they are still there.

“It has been confirmed that the land is owned by Essex County Council and the travellers have forced there way onto the land through the gate.

“We have been in touch with the Essex Gypsy and Traveller Unit and I understand they are going down to the site tomorrow to start the process of making the travellers leave.

“Police have been down there to keep an eye on things and take the registration numbers of the vehicles.

“As it is a Bank Holiday, things will take longer and I think that is why they have chosen to come here now.

“There are concerns because this is a wildlife site.”