Residents have expressed frustration after a large travellers’ camp was set up on Springhouse Road this week.

Around 20 to 30 caravans arrived on Monday at the site known as ‘Springhouse Park’ and are still on location.

Reports have also been made by residents of “aggressive behaviour” as well as one reported van break-in on the road.

A business owner on Springhouse Road, who did not wish to be named, said people were “very concerned.”

He said: “I’m very concerned about it. It’s a big worry for people round here. They have also been knocking on peoples’ doors and asking for water containers to be filled up and been aggressive when people have said no.

“I don’t think the police have done enough to protect people.”

Councillors also said there was growing “frustration” with travellers’ moving around.

Mr Hebb said: “It’s really concerning, as the problem keeps moving from place to place. People have started getting quite frustrated and worried about the whole problem.”

Police confirmed the travellers are not the same group that moved from Chadwell Hill at the weekend, leaving behind a large amount of litter.

A spokesman for Essex Police said "no criminal offences" had been committed, so their hands were tied.

She said: "Officers have been to the location to speak to the travellers and it was assessed that they were not creating any disruption that would warrant the use of Section 61 powers to remove them.

"Trespass is not a criminal offence and the landowner, Thurrock Council, has been notified about the presence of the travellers so they can take the necessary legal action to evict them.

"Officers have also liaised with the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit and we are continuing to speak to all parties involved to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

"No criminal offences have been disclosed and police are continuing to monitor the situation."

The Gazette has had reports the travellers moved from Stanford-le-Hope bypass at the weekend.