Action has been launched to move on a group of 30 caravans from outside a leisure centre, with travellers pitching up at the site for the fifth time in the last year.

After visiting the encampment behind Rayleigh Leisure Centre on Sunday, Roger Hirst, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, says residents raised concerns about litter, waste, noise and dogs "running out of control."

It comes after half a dozen caravans originally arrived at the land in Priory Chase on Friday evening, before the number rapidly increased over the weekend.

Essex Police has been making “daily visits” to the site.

Mr Hirst says the incursion is now being dealt with through the civil courts.

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He said: "This is, I understand, the fifth unlawful incursion on this land in the last year.

"Local residents have understandable concerns about litter, waste, noise and dogs running out of control.

"While there I spoke with deputy leader of the council Cheryl Roe, and the current incursion is being dealt with through the civil courts.

"I am confident that the police will support the council if there is evidence of criminal behaviour.

"To deal with unlawful encampments more effectively, we need the bill currently in front of parliament - which will make aggravated trespass a criminal offence, and for which local MP Mark Francois has campaigned - to become law.

"This is likely to happen later this year."

Earlier this year, the Government approved the “Irish Option”, which will give police the power to move on illegal encampments at the earliest approval.

The new law has yet to come into force.