Enraged villagers have confronted Uttlesford District Council over the prolonged presence of an illegal traveller site in Willows Green, Essex, questioning why it has been allowed to remain for months while a similar site 17 miles away was cleared rapidly.
Around 60 residents protested outside the council's offices on Thursday, expressing frustration that travellers dumped truckloads of hardcore onto the agricultural land without consent over the May bank holiday weekend and have occupied the site for four months. Residents were told by the council that the travellers were not stopped initially because there had been no racism or threats of violence during the incursion.
Locals reported that approximately 50 loads of hardcore were dumped onto the four-acre plot, with authorities taking little immediate action. This situation stands in contrast to an illegal development in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, the previous weekend. East Herts District Council acted swiftly through court and police intervention, leading to the site being cleared by the end of the weekend.
Willows Green resident Tracy Williams, 43, addressed councillors, stating that the council "did nothing" to prevent the initial dumping of hardcore and the subsequent establishment of the site. She described how the work occurred over four days during the May bank holiday weekend, with workers apparently bussed in and working day and night. When she contacted the emergency line, she was informed it was only for gas leaks and their situation was not considered an emergency.
When residents organized a visit to the site on the Sunday, police attended after vehicles were driven towards them. "We made the point that we are a nice community of residents and I advised everyone that we should leave as I did not want to put anyone in danger," Williams said.
The travellers reportedly broke the chain on a metal gate to access the site, tearing out a section of hedge and erecting large gates. Residents in the area now report hearing generators frequently. It remains unclear how sewage and water are supplied to the site.
Another resident, Andrew Madders, highlighted the perceived disparity in council responses, asking why the experience in Willows Green was so different from Sawbridgeworth, where East Hertfordshire Council provided a "decisive, coordinated response."
Council officials stated at the meeting that the matter was under High Court proceedings for contempt of court, which limited their ability to speak openly. Councillor Neil Gregory, chair of the meeting, noted that the High Court's involvement meant they had to be "extremely guarded in their responses."
It was heard that Uttlesford District Council had applied for a High Court injunction, which was reportedly ignored by the travellers. Councillors suggested the situation in Sawbridgeworth differed because that protest involved accusations of racism and threats of violence, which a judge found to be a risk of potential physical harm.
Following the meeting, resident Phoebe Nowakiwskyj questioned the council's approach, asking, "So if you're polite and toe the line nothing gets done about the [illegal development]? If you create a scene and breach the peace then you get assistance?" She noted that a verbal altercation had occurred at their site over the bank holiday weekend, with police and a councillor present.
Sherrie Smith, founder of Gate Essex, an organization representing gypsies and travellers on planning issues, stated that the families at the Willows Green site felt unfairly treated. She argued that local authorities nationwide are failing to meet their legal obligations to provide traveller sites.
Smith mentioned that the families involved are two cousins who moved onto the land in May. An injunction was issued ordering them not to bring more dwellings, which they reportedly complied with. A legal planning application is now in place and will be decided on its merits. She added that Uttlesford District Council has a legal duty to provide 19 pitches for traveller families by 2028 and is not meeting this target.
A statement on behalf of the residents of the traveller site indicated that a valid planning application is under review and should be allowed to proceed. The statement emphasized that while the main road is public, the area within the gates is private family space where children should feel safe and have privacy. It stated their actions are not an attack on the local community but an effort to protect the privacy, safety, and wellbeing of their families while the planning application is considered.