An extra 40 traveller pitches are needed in the district after experts predicted demand will almost double over the next two decades.

There is already demand for 29 pitches but only enough space for 21, according to a new report from the Essex Planning Officers Association, which represents 14 councils.

The report says 61 pitches will be needed by the year 2033.

There are a number of unofficial traveller sites in the district but only two official sites, including Sandiacres, Cressing, which has 12 pitches and opened in 1989.

In total, Essex needs almost 800 more pitches, with the majority in the south of the county and close to London.

See this week's Times for the full story.