THE race has begun for bailiffs to tender for Basildon Council’s contract to remove hundreds of travellers from illegal sites.

The advert will be posted in the Official Journal of the European Union so firms across the Continent can apply.

Tony Ball council leader said: "We have a duty to ensure that this alternative is available to us should some of the travellers refuse to work with the council in relocating. This is the first stage in the process of appointing suitable contractors to carry out this work."

Full story in tomorrow's Echo.