NEW bylaws could be adopted to make it easier to evict travellers from public land.

Castle Point Council is looking for ways to protect the borough’s open spaces after about 17 caravans moved on to a field next to the Labworth car park, on Canvey, on August 29.

There were brawls and armed officers were even called to the field at one point after reports a man had been seen with a gun.

Traders were also forced to shut on the last days of the summer season, hitting their profits.

At the moment it can take as long as to a week for the council to remove travellers camping illegally on its land.

At a public meeting on Wednesday, council leader Colin Riley announced officials were looking at a new bylaw which could shift travellers quickly.

He said: “The council acted appropriately as soon as the travellers arrived. We went to court on the Friday.

“We are now looking at bylaws for open spaces which we can’t secure.

“We are looking at ways to evict illegal travellers within 24 hours rather than having to wait seven days.”

Mr Riley said the bylaw could allow the council to evict travellers from specified areas within 24 hours and from anywhere in the borough within two days.

He added: “Anything that takes away the harassment everybody had would be a good thing.

“It was a really busy weekend and businesses had to shut. It had to be one of the worst times for businesses as well as families and visitors.

“It’s unfortunate these travellers have no permanent home and we are looking for more permanent sites for travellers, which we hope will also help.

Traders still want barriers and bollards

SEAFRONT traders remain adamant better barriers are needed to stop travellers moving on to local parks.

The have even offered to pay for 6ft barriers and steel bollards to keep caravans out.

Many businesses were forced to close during the invasion, which happened over what should have been one of their busiest weekends.

Last September, travellers also showed up at the Labworth car park shutting down shops and cafes.

Scott Petty, of Leisure Island Fun Park, said: “We can’t go through this again.

“If we don’t have some protection next summer, we will be watching our backs 24 hours a day for the whole school holiday.

“A new bylaw will definitely give traders peace of mind. It’s good news, but to physically stop the travellers getting on in the first place is the first priority.”