Political parties in Basildon today joined forces and called for a urgent Government investigation into the Dale Farm traveller site.

Basildon Lib Dem leader Geoff Williams, who voted against an eviction and signed up as a human rights monitor for the travellers, today said answers were needed.

The change of heart followed revelations about the site's links to other illegal camps across the country and mansions in the Irish town of Rathkeale in the Echo's three-day special, Travellers: The Truth, last week.

His call came as Basildon council leader Malcolm Buckley demanded the re-opening of last August's public inquiry.

Mr Buckley wants Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for local Government, to take into account the new information before a decision is made next month, even if it means further delays.

He said: "Much of the latest information confirms the suspicions of locals that the development at Dale Farm is not to meet housing needs, but is primarily a money-making exercise which has been funded by the people of Basildon.

"This evidence causes us to have concerns some of the evidence given to inspectors at previous inquiries may have potentially been unreliable.

Mr Williams said: "The Echo investigation has posed a number of questions which now require honest answers. I would back a Government investigation into this before a decision is made."

However, Mr Williams said he remained concerned there were people on the site, particularly children and people with health problems, with genuine housing needs.

Labour councillor Swatantra Nandanwar (Vange), who campaigned against an eviction and visited the site, also believes an official probe is now a must.

He said: "If a minority of people are breaking laws and abusing the system, it needs investigating so they can be taken to court.

"However, there are around 800 people on the site and many with genuine housing needs which need addressing with official, managed sites.

Unfortunately, the minority breaking the rules give these people a bad name."