A GROUP of travellers have pitched up on a field in Noak Bridge - just days before a large community event is due to be held there.

The five caravans were seen arriving on Tuesday at the site at the junction of Wash Road and Wash Road, South.

A summer fete is due to take place on the land on July 1, but ward councillor and parish councillor Terri Sargeant says she is confident it can still go ahead.

She added: “The traveller unit has served them a notice to leave.

“As long as they leave it shouldn’t be a problem and will be a relief for residents.

“They were on that land two years ago and it was left in a not very nice state.

“However, this time there are just five caravans and they seem to be quiet.”

She tried to stop a Transit van from driving onto the land, but her efforts were ignored.

She said: “I shouldn’t have done it but I just wanted to do what was best for the residents and be a good representative.

“I said to the driver they shouldn’t be driving on here, but let’s just say my efforts were ignored.”

She added that there had been some concerns from residents about mess the travellers may leave behind.

She also said that local children were now unable to play on the field and were having to go elsewhere, which was unfair.

The land is owned by Basildon Council and the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit has been informed.

Residents have reported the travellers have set up a paddling pool and filled it with water as well as erecting a washing line.

One woman who lives nearby said: “They have been seen urinating against the gym equipment and a washing line has been put up between goal posts.

“My children are too scared to go over and play football even though it’s something they do almost every evening.”

Basildon councillor Kevin Blake added: “They have been served with a notice to leave and have four days to get off the site.

“There are a lot of concerned residents who have been getting in touch about it.

“The parish council has organised an event to take place on the field so there are some concerns about that.”

The summer event will have stalls, competitions, displays and attractions for all ages on July 1 from 1pm until 5pm.

Entrance is free and everyone is welcome to attend.