TRAVELLERS on the lookout for potential new pitches have put Ongar on high alert.

By joshua farrington joshua.farrington@gazettenews.co.uk

TRAVELLERS on the lookout for potential new pitches have put Ongar on high alert.

The town's lorry park, off Greensted Road, has been identified as a patch of land that could be targeted by traveller families following the planned mass eviction of Dale Farm in Crays Hill.

Those living in the town are concerned the vacant land, owned by Essex County Council, could be taken over easily, as it is used for free parking by dozens of drivers.

Bob MacDonald, a retired policeman, raised his concerns about the security of the site at a meeting of Ongar Town Council's Environment and Open Spaces Committee on Thursday.

Speaking to the assembled councillors, Mr MacDonald, 73, said the lack of progress with the problematic plot of land was a disgrace.

He said: "I think it's totally unacceptable it has taken so long to make a decision on the site.

"But the important point is that while it is like this, it could be used as a place to pitch by gypsy families.

"We don't know the proper legal status of the land, or what kind of bylaws could be used to get any travellers to leave."

Residents across Essex are preparing to guard against gypsies, after Basildon Borough Council pledged the money to evict 86 families from Dale Farm, the largest illegal travellers' site in Europe.

In combination with the police, it is prepared to spend up to £18 million to clear the families off the green belt land, where they have been living for the past decade.

Areas such as Pilgrims Hatch in Brentwood have installed gates to prevent easy access to farmers' fields, and residents are worried that gypsies could use the bank holidays around Easter and the royal wedding as a time to move in without council intervention.

Mr MacDonald said: "A lot of places are already watching out with police.

"My view is that the lorry park should have been sealed off until it was decided what to do with it."

Councillor Terry Williams said: "Who has the legal right to stop people coming and going?

"We don't want to be caught in negotiations over the site when there is this running in the background."

He added: "The town council can always say, 'It's not our land', but it is in the middle of Ongar and it affects the people who live here."

In April last year, 20 caravans set up without permission on a former driving range in Merlin Way, North Weald.

via thisistotalessex.co.uk