FEARS travellers were returning to Dale Farm after bailiffs left the illegal area were today allayed.

Two caravans pulled onto part of Oak Lane, which has been left within the illegal area, last night.

Len Gridley, 52, whose home borders that part of Oak Lane, said he could see two caravans and vehicles and hear generators.

Basildon Council launched an investigation last night after the Echo inquired what was happening.

There are three cleared pitches where a small number of families can remain in caravans due to a council technical error before the eviction.

Stuart Hardwicke-Carruthers, a campaigner for the families, suggested more families would follow them on because the road is not covered by an injunction preventing re-occupation of the site.

However, Tony Ball, council leader, said: "We established that they were some of the caravans, which are still entitled to be on the three pitches. They have returned from a visit to Ireland. They parked in Oak Lane because there is no longer access onto their pitches."

Mr Ball said they would not be able to stay on Oak lane and the council would not help move them back on to the pitches as the timescale for that had expired.

"They would have to arrange to be winched on themselves," he said.

The council is encouraging them to leave and will serve new enforcement notices, he said.