HALF a dozen caravans arrived at a popular park, it has now been confirmed.

The travellers, which came equipped with their own Portaloo, arrived on Friday afternoon at Swan Mead Park in Basildon, council bosses have told the Echo.

The last time travellers used the park, in August, the playground was left "beyond repair."

According to leaked emails from Essex County Council, which the Echo has seen, the countywide traveller unit is "aware" of the encampment off Clay Hill Road.

Bosses say it could take up to a week to remove the caravans from the park.

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A spokesman from Basildon Council, said: “We are aware of a traveller encampment of six caravans on land at Swan Mead Park.  

"The land is owned by Basildon Council and the Essex County Traveller Unit visited the site on May 21 to begin the process of eviction from the land.”