TRAVELLERS who spent more than a week on an unauthorised encampment in Aveley have moved on – but mystery still remains about why they were allowed to stay so long.

Thurrock Council has a blanket injunction in place across the borough and in recent weeks has, sometimes with the help of police, moved on a number of incursions quickly.

However, the group camped on the side of the road adjacent to the entrance to Belhus Park off the Aveley by-pass were there for nine days.

A number of residents had complained to the council – and the matter was raised by local councillors, including Chris Baker and Mike Fletcher.

Thurrock Nub News has asked Thurrock Council and the police several times why it appeared exceptional conditions were being offered to the Travellers on the site, but we have had no answer to the question. The police have said they were working to assist the council who have jurisdiction as it is a civil matter.

Cllr Baker, who represents Belhus, also remains mystified. "I still have not had an answer to my questions – though the problem is I am not allowed to speak to officers about it. I have to put in an email question and they have up to seven days to reply, but hopefully I will get an answer at some point."

Cllr Baker visited the site after the Travellers left and reported it has been left in a clean and tidy condition.