Caravan owners were ordered to leave a holiday park after it was claimed they flouted rules by staying outside of permitted dates.

Letters have been sent out to owners at Steeple Bay Holiday Park on Canney Road, Steeple, stating enforcement action will be taken against those still occupying their caravans during weekdays.

People are only allowed to stay on the site during weekdays until October 31 each year, yet Maldon District Council said many owners were still living in their caravans.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said: “Following a visit to Steeple Bay Holiday Park on November 8, the Maldon District Council Enforcement team noted that the site is not complying with the planning conditions relating to the occupancy of the caravan park.

“The approved occupancy period for Steeple Bay Caravan Park is from March 15 to October 31 inclusive.

“Weekend occupancy is from November 1 to January 31 and from 1 to 15 March, from Friday to Monday only.

“Park Holidays have been informed by letter, issued on November 9 that occupancy of all caravans, not in accordance with the planning conditions, should cease immediately. Maldon District Council is now considering enforcement action in accordance with the council’s policy.”

Steeple Bay is managed by nationwide company Park Holidays UK.

The company has stated they are negotiating with the council to clarify the situation.

A spokesman said: “Park Holidays UK welcomes the involvement of Maldon District Council in helping us to clarify the details of our site license at Steeple Bay.

“The site license has operated during the current season in the way in which it has for many years, including a significant period of time before the business was acquired by the current owners in 2006. We are providing every assistance to the council in order to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.”