A GROUP of travellers have pitched up at a leisure centre car park, bosses have confirmed.

The travellers arrived at the Rayleigh Leisure Centre yesterday, with several caravans seen in the car park.

The leisure centre car park, on Priory Chase, has frequently been used by travellers for illegal encampments.

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Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, urged Rochford Council and Essex Police to step up enforcement amid the last encampment at the car park in October. 

Travellers also used the car park in June.

A spokesman for Rochford Council, said: "We have been made aware that a group of travellers have moved on to land Rayleigh Leisure Centre car park.

"Council officers have attended the site and are now liaising with Essex Police in relation to the matter.

"The authority has also contacted Essex Countywide Traveller Unit with regards to pursuing the appropriate legal action."