LABOUR leader Ed Miliband has condemned Basildon Council's handling of the Dale Farm evictions.

Speaking today, Mr Miliband said Basildon Council was to blame for delays in the eviction.

Basildon Council leader Tony Ball has responded to the criticism.

He said: “This operation is about upholding the law and has nothing to do with ‘grandstanding’. I would like to remind Mr Miliband that this council has sought a peaceful and negotiated resolution for more than ten years, and we provide more authorised pitches than any other authority in the East of England, and one of the largest numbers in the country.

“ This latest statement from Mr Miliband is clearly about grabbing headlines and trying to please everyone by firstly agreeing that ‘yes’ the law should be upheld, yet criticising us for doing just that.”