Background

Dale Farm is a large traveller site within Crays Hill, Billericay.


Photo: Dale Farm and surrounding area

Approximately 50 per cent of the site has been developed without planning consent and Basildon Borough Council has undertaken a lengthy legal process to affirm its decision to serve enforcement notices.

Essex Police has responsibilities to uphold the law, prevent crime, keep the peace and protect life and property. Whilst the enforcement of planning legislation is a matter for Basildon Borough Council and its agents, Essex Police is committed to fulfilling its own responsibilities. The Human Rights Act also places an obligation upon the police to facilitate peaceful protest.

To support the communities affected by the enforcement activity, Essex Police has established a dedicated Crays Hill Community Policing Team comprising of one sergeant, two constables and three PCSOs, to ensure that the communities have a policing team dedicated to addressing their fears, needs and concerns.

On the next few pages you can meet the members of Crays Hill community team and find details of community meetings where residents are encouraged to ask questions and raise any concerns they may have.