Dale Farm travellers face second eviction

Travellers at Dale Farm are being warned they face a second eviction - this time to remove them from land just metres from the cleared site.

Dozens of caravans and chalets were demolished last October as Basildon Council levelled the illegal settlement in Essex. But many travellers simply rolled their homes a short way down the road, onto land not included in the eviction.

Today, Basildon Council served many of those families with a fresh enforcement notice, telling them they have until the end of August to appeal, or they could be evicted in September.

The Council has always argued that the caravans are still parked illegally, as they cause 'overcrowding' on what is otherwise a legal section of Dale Farm. Now, the man who made Dale Farm his 'bete noire' is clearly prepared for round two. Leader of Basildon Council, Tony Ball, said:

"As a local authority we must; and will always work within the law. I just wish that the travellers would realise that they need to do the same and not only when it appears to suit them, such as when they wish to challenge us in court."