Travellers leave locals 'in tears' after setting up illegal 'concrete slab' encampment on grassland

Residents have been left "in tears" after an unauthorised traveller site established a concrete slab encampment on grassland.

The site, in Willows Green, near Felsted, Essex, saw approximately 30 lorries and diggers descend on the area over the bank holiday weekend.

Construction began late Friday evening once Uttlesford District Council offices had closed for the holiday period, with work continuing without permission throughout the weekend.

The green space, which provides habitat for protected great-crested newts and rare albino fallow deer, was torn up as concrete posts, fencing and heavy machinery moved across the land.

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Uttlesford District Council issued a temporary stop notice on Tuesday, demanding all construction activity halt immediately.

Local resident Tracy Williams, 42, described the distressing impact on the community following the site's unwanted overhaul.

"I've seen some of my neighbours in tears. Some have had altercations already with some of the travelling community," she said.

"They've been threatened and are scared to come out of their homes. This is unacceptable."

Ms Williams reported some residents had been intimidated by travellers, and were now afraid to venture outside their properties.

More than 30 concerned locals attended an emergency meeting convened by Felsted Parish Council on Wednesday evening to discuss the situation.

A spokesman for the authority confirmed the development had been executed "like a military operation", following the extended closure of council offices.

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The spokesman said: "Heavy earth moving equipment and hundreds of tons of materials were moved onto a site in a well-planned operation obviously designed to avoid enforcement officers."

The parish council noted whilst the land is apparently owned by travellers, the development lacks any planning approval.

"We hope that the travellers respect the local community and behave in a neighbourly manner," the spokesperson added.

When journalists visited on Thursday, debris including fallen posts, waste bags and building materials lay scattered across the site.

Uttlesford District Council acknowledged the concern the development has generated among local residents, as officials weigh their options.

A council spokesman stated: "Given the potential actions that may follow, we are limited in the detail we can provide at this stage, but we want to reassure residents that the situation is of paramount importance, and that appropriate action may be taken in line with our statutory powers."

The authority indicated it is treating the matter as a priority, while considering what enforcement measures may be pursued under its legal powers.

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