1200 hrs: Statement from Harlow Council

“The travellers left this afternoon as requested following the visit this morning by community safety staff and police. We would like to thank our staff and Essex Police for their prompt action.

Update: 10am

Community Safety Officers and Essex Police are visiting the encampment now with copies of the injunction papers. The travellers are being asked to leave by 1pm today.

Mark Ingall, Leader of the Council said, “Harlow Council, unlike most other Councils, have an injunction preventing illegal traveller encampments on green spaces around the town. This has proved successful at protecting our green spaces and we will be taking action to ensure this group of travellers move on.”

AN unauthorised traveller encampment has appeared in Harlow.

Three caravans has settled on the field opposite the Harlow Leisurezone off Second Avenue.

Such encampments are unlawful in Harlow as there is a town wide injunction.

YH has contacted Essex Police and Harlow Council for a comment.