Maldon District Council have warned residents of an "unauthorised encampment" in Butt Lane Car Park, behind The Swan Hotel.

The encampment means there is a temporary loss of around 20 parking spaces, including the free 30-minute parking spaces.

In a message on social media, a spokesperson for Maldon District Council: "We understand [the temporary loss of parking spaces] may cause inconvenience, and we share your concerns.

"Please be assured that we are working with our partners including Essex Police and the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit to resolve the situation swiftly and respectfully.

"We are committed to ensuring that the car park is fully accessible to our residents and visitors as soon as possible."

Parking for the High Street is still available at other Town Centre Car Parks, including High Street East, which has 30-minute free bays.

In an update at around 1.20 pm, the council reported that the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit Officers had issued a formal notice to those in the encampment to leave.

A spokesperson for Essex Police told Nub News: "Unauthorised traveller encampments are a matter of civil trespass and, in the first instance, the landowner – whether they be private or local authority – have powers under common law to direct an encampment to leave.

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"We'll usually only get involved from an enforcement perspective once those initial efforts have failed."