Essex County Council and other statutory authorities within the Essex area are committed to ensuring that relationships between settled communities and Gypsy and Traveller communities remain respectful and lawful. We provide a range of services to Gypsy and Traveller communities seeking to promote good community relations between the settled and Gypsy/Traveller communities. 

There are 11 permanent sites within the Essex area. Essex County Council operates a waiting list system for access to the sites. Application forms are available via the site manager or by calling Gypsy & Traveller Services on 0845 603 7624.

 

Essex County Council recognises the need for permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites within the county and the need to travel. We also seek to provide an atmosphere where settled and travelling communities can exist harmoniously. To this end, there is a Code for Travellers in Essex in place, relating to unauthorised encampments on Essex County Council land. In exchange for sticking to the code, we will allow small groups of caravans to remain on some sites for up to 28 days, after which time they must move on.

 

Where ownership of land on which an unauthorised site is located is not clear, Essex County Council recommends contacting the relevant district authority.

 

Essex County Council has a robust range of services and support available to Gypsy and Traveller communities of all ethnic origins. The Essex County Council website provides details of education services for both adults and children.