DETERMINED residents took matters into their own hands when travellers forced their way onto private land.

The unauthorised group, with caravans and vans, pitched up on a field in Manor Road, West Bergholt.

But residents decided to make a stand.

Lois De’Ath was part of a group which approached the travellers and warned if they did not move within an hour, they would take action.

After their warning fell on deaf ears, the group used a digger to create a trench across the entrance to the field, preventing the travellers from moving their vehicles off the land and further vehicles from arriving.

The fuming group of travellers, who had broken a gate to access the private land, then called the police to complain about the determined residents’ actions.

About 30 villagers made their stand on Wednesday afternoon, with many remaining at the site into the evening.

Mrs De’Ath said: “We are very protective over our road here as we are landlocked, so it is a risk if fire engines and ambulances are blocked from getting down here.

“This was a remarkable showing of community spirit and support.

“At 3.20pm two traveller caravans dismantled the field gate on Manor Road and pitched up on the field.

Within minutes the owners of the land adjacent blocked the lane with vehicles and called the police.

“As the police did not arrive for several hours, the residents and villagers gathered and, after receiving legal advice, talked with the travellers.

“They were adamant they were staying put and had rights.”

After the trench was dug and the travellers realised the villagers’ determination would not be halted, they decided to find another place to camp.

The trench was filled in and the group had moved on by 9pm.

Mrs De’Ath said: “We are certain that if it had not been for the quick notice and actions of the Manor Road residents and local community members there would be a village under siege.”

A group had reportedly pitched up at the Crown pub, in Wormingford, and were still on the site as of yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday, a sign at the pub read: “Sorry, closed due to unexpected circumstances.”

One traveller, Tracey Smith, 21, said: “We are not causing trouble, none of us are harmful.

“No-one seems to like us, a farmer tried to ram us with his tractor earlier.

“We are not here to leave a mess like other groups, we are just normal people looking for a place to stay for a while. The pub landlord must think we are scaring his customers away.”

Essex Police had not responded at the time of going to press.