TRAVELLERS living in illegal encampments could be barred from re-entering the borough for three months.

John Baron MP for Billericay, Stephen Metcalfe MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock , and MP for Rayleigh and Wickford Mark Francois all met with Basildon’s Chief Inspector Sam Smith, senior council officers, Essex County Council travellers unit and Essex Police to discuss radical new plans.

It was called to address the ongoing issues with illegal encampments, with the council pushing for the Government to amend laws that would allow local authorities more power to move sites on.

Conservative Councillor Kevin Blake, who attended the meeting, said “The Key areas discussed for new legislation were matching the laws of Ireland which has been effective in exporting travellers and strengthening section 61 notices. Section 61 notices move illegal encampments on, however experience shows that moving to the next field defeats the section 61 objective.

“It was made clear that nuisance encampments should be moved outside of the borough and barred for three months.”

Mr Metcalfe arranged the meeting and, although coy on any outcomes, he insisted the group will meet again in the near future, and evryone present acknowledged illegal encampments as a ‘serious issue’ in the borough. However, he made no suggestion on how barring travellers would be enforced.

He did say: “It went very well indeed. We had a wide ranging and productive discussion were lots of ideas were debated and suggested on what changes could be made to existing legislation.

“As well as future legislation that we want to push forward.

“We have recorded all the ideas in one place, and I will circulate these and once the government launches its consultation we will meet again.

“I am led to believe the government are drawing up terms of reference, so we should see a consultation launched in the near future. It has been acknowledged that there is a serious issue, at the moment we have a number of different views and opinions, but if we continue to meet and discuss, then I am confident we can find a mutual agreement.”