ACTION is being taken by a council after a group of travellers pitched up at a public park overnight.

Maldon District Council received several reports from residents that a group of travellers had broken open locks on gates and entered Elms Farm Park on Heybridge Approach overnight last night.

One resident said: "I spotted them when out walking the dog this morning. They're camped up in both of the two fields in the park. I spotted at least 20 families."

It is thought as many as 30 caravans are now at the site. 

Richard Holmes, Director of Customers & Community Services at Maldon District Council, said: “The Council was alerted by a member of the public that a trespass had occurred at Elms Farm Park late on Monday evening.

"The site was visited by the police and council officers last night and it was established that locks securing this popular public open space had been cut to allow access.

"The council is now working with partner agencies to end the trespass and re-secure the site as soon as practically possible.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called to a report of an unauthorised traveller encampment on land in Heybridge Approach, Maldon, shortly before 6:30pm on Monday.

“Officers attended and found 30 vehicles on the site.

“We are liaising with the land owner and monitoring the situation.”