Councillors have called for a change in the law, after travellers left behind a “large” amount of litter on Chadwell Hill last week.

Action has been demanded after four or five caravans arrived at Chadwell Hill last week and “forced entry” according to some sources, leaving behind litter for which the council will foot the bill.

Ukip Councillor Tim Aker said he had set up a petition to the government calling for illegal traveller pitches to be made a criminal offence, as in Ireland, which had attracted over 10,000 signatures.

Councillor Russell Cherry, Public Protection and Communities Spokesman for Ukip, called the lack of council and government action on travellers “unacceptable.”

Mr Cherry said: "I call on the Conservative Government and the Conservative Council to take action.

“Their position that this should be left to Thurrock taxpayers to clear up is unacceptable.

"If illegal traveller pitches were made a criminal offence like in Ireland, people could instantly be moved on, their caravans seized, heavy fines imposed and jail sentences if required.” 

Council Leader Rob Gledhill said: “We do need to make clear that action does need to be taken. The site in Chadwell is an absolute mess."

“Some of the travellers – a very small percentage – are causing these problems. Councillors and the police need to work together to solve them.”

Mr Gledhill said he was meeting with David Finch, Leader of Essex Council next week to discuss a copy of the Harlow injunction for Essex, which would see the creation of more transit sites where travellers are allowed to stay for fixed periods.