Travellers are set to be taken to court after ignoring a request to leave the site of a community centre.

The encampment, which is at Laindon Community Centre, is believed to have arrived on Sunday (January 31) at around 11.30am.

Residents say there are three caravans and two large vans in the site car park, which is based on Aston Road.

Officers from the Essex County Traveller Unit visited the encampment Monday morning and carried out the initial assessment, while a Direction to Leave Notice was served on Tuesday.

At the time, a Basildon Council spokesperson, said: “If the group fail to leave voluntarily once the Direction to Leave expires, Essex County Traveller Unit will progress with legal proceedings and request the issue of an eviction order from Magistrates Court.”

The Direction to Leave notice has now expired, and the Essex County Traveller Unit (ECTU) have requested for the matter to be heard at Magistrates Court.

The court hearing date is set to take place on Monday (February 8).

Officers will visit and serve the summons tomorrow (February 5).

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A Basildon Council Spokesperson said: “The Direction to Leave notice has expired and Essex County Traveller Unit (ECTU) have requested for the matter to be heard at Magistrates Court.

“The court hearing date is set to take place on Monday February 8. Officers will visit and serve the summons tomorrow on Friday 5 February.”