PREPARATIONS are under way in north Essex for a feared influx once Europe’s largest illegal travellers’ camp is emptied this autumn.

Basildon Council has handed eviction notices to 90 families living illegally on Dale Farm, ordering them to leave by August 31.

Over the summer, other travellers have trespassed on a host of sites in north Colchester, including near Weston Homes Community Stadium, on a field in St John’s and on Severalls Lane.

As a result, Colchester Council leader Anne Turrell has written to all parish and town councils in the borough asking for input for a plan to prevent any illegal activity.

She said: “We’re pro-actively working with the police, Essex County Council and other districts in Essex to mitigate what may or may not happen.

“We’re looking at our own personal land and making sure we’re acting as best we can.

“It’s also making sure if any private landowners have any problems, we can help them.”

Colchester, with a legal, 12-plot site in Severalls Lane in the pipeline, is one mooted destination for some travellers.

Mrs Turrell said there were various rumours about where some of the families will move, if and when they are evicted.

She added: “We’ve heard all sorts of whispers, but until it happens, we don’t know. It’s better to protect than to react.”

The letter states the council, Essex County Council and Essex Police are preparing “for the possible consequences of travellers on Dale Farm being evicted”.

The three authorities have a protocol for dealing with any illegal incursions by travellers, which might be revised in the coming months.

Scott Greenhill, vice-chairman of Myland Community Council, said it was best to be prepared.

He said: “Over the last three months, there’s been a lot of travellers parking up for either a couple of days or through the week.

“I think it’s a question of recognising where there might be obvious access points.”