A GROUP of travellers have relocated to a Colchester beauty spot just hours before they were ordered to leave. 

The group of about 18 caravans had set up at a site in Mill Road last week. 

Landowner Colchester Council secured a court directive to have them moved on. 

On Sunday evening the travellers left the Mill Road site and moved three miles down the road to Hilly Fields. 

The Gazette understands the move came hours before a court order would have required them to leave. 

Gazette: Travellers - a group of about 18 caravans had previous set up in Mill RoadTravellers - a group of about 18 caravans had previous set up in Mill Road (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester Council has said a padlock was broken at the new site, which has been reported to the police.

The council says the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) has served another notice on the encampment.

A spokesperson for Colchester Council said: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment which vacated a site in Mill Road [on Sunday] evening and relocated to land owned by Colchester Council at Hilly Fields.

“Unfortunately, it seems that they had to break a padlocked gate to gain entry, which has been reported to the police and logged as an incident.

“Earlier today, ECTU served a ‘direction to leave’ notice on the encampment, and a court summons is currently being drafted to request a court date."

Gazette: Area - a picture of the group at the new site in Hilly FieldsArea - a picture of the group at the new site in Hilly Fields (Image: Newsquest)

The council spokesman said it may take the authority seven to ten days to regain possession of the land. 

They added: “The Police Rural Engagement Team has conducted a site assessment on the encampment and determined that the threshold for using their section 61 powers has not been met.

“Nevertheless, they will continue to visit the site daily and reassess at each visit.

“We understand this situation may cause concern among members of the local community, and we want to assure them that we are taking all necessary steps to address it.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve this matter.”

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The unauthorised encampment of 18 caravans first appeared at the playing fields in Mill Road, Mile End, on Sunday, May 14.

It is illegal for travellers to remain on land or to fail to remove their property without reasonable excuse when asked to do so.

If convicted, the maximum penalty will be three months imprisonment or a fine of up to £2,500, or both.