Witham's MP is putting pressure on the Government to change the law regarding unauthorised traveller sites.

Priti Patel has backed a proposal which, if agreed, would see trespassing become a criminal offence.

The letter, addressed to Theresa May and housing secretary James Brokenshire, has been signed by 59 backbenchers and asks them to make acts of deliberate trespass a criminal offence.

Traveller sites have been an ongoing issue across the district and Ms Patel has called for action.

She said: “At this time of year Essex sees dozens of unauthorised encampments set up with private and public land affected.

“In the past we have seen property damaged and litter left on sites with no consequences for the people who have done this.

“With more unauthorised encampments on sites this year residents are concerned about laws being broken and the disruption caused.”

The proposal to criminalise trespassing first appeared in the Conservative party’s 2010 general election manifesto.

Ms Patel added: “I have asked the Government to review this situation and make changes to the law to back law-abiding citizens and enable the police and councils to tackle this issue.”

There have been a number of encampments in Witham throughout July and August, including the River Walk, Maltings Estate and Gershwin Boulevard.

The district has 26 plots for authorised sites in Ridgewell and Cressing.

James Cleverly, MP for Braintree and Halstead, did not sign the letter but says he has discussed the issue with Mr Brokenshire.