Enforcement action due to start

Enforcement action led by Basildon Borough Council to clear 51 illegal pitches at Dale Farm travellers' site starts today (Monday, September 19, 2011).



Essex Police is working to make sure there are no breaches of the peace during the enforcement action at the site in Crays Hill near Wickford.

Bailiffs are due to enter the travellers' site today and a temporary operational base for officers and staff has been set up at Barleylands Farm in Billericay.

Police officers from Essex Police and forces providing mutual aid are ready to deploy should they be needed.

During a press conference held earlier today Supt Trevor Roe said: "We are here to make sure this community remains peaceful and that we support Basildon Borough Council in respect of clearing the site.

"Essex Police, let me be clear, is here to make sure there are no breaches of the peace and no criminal offences are committed."

He added: "Everyone has a right to protest  and we are respectful of that. A good day for Essex Police is if we don't have to deploy. If we don't have to get involved in the legal process to clear the site that's a good day for everyone especially the local community.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Monday, September 19, 2011
2.30pm