Southend seafront: attractions close early amid 'traveller encampment'

Adventure Island made the announcement on its social media page as police confirmed a notice had been issued to a group of travellers who have set up in the Kursaal car park.

The group moved onto the land on Saturday and there have since been reports of disruption and antisocial behaviour at the site.

Essex Police have confirmed they have served a Section 61 notice for the encampment of around ten caravans to move on from the site today but did not confirm they had advised businesses to close.

In a statement, Adventure Island said: "All Seafront businesses, including Adventure Inside and Sealife Adventure have been advised to close early due to traveller invasion!

"Best to be safe than sorry!" 

>> 'We can’t re-open our businesses until travellers leave seafront’

Matt Dent, Kursaal ward councillor, said: “I have received a lot of reports of noise, disruption and antisocial behaviour from residents adjacent to the Kursaal, particularly of Marks Court and the Woodgrange Drive Estate.

“I can assure residents I am doing everything within my power to resolve the situation, which is complicated by the fact that the travellers are parked on private land. I would strongly urge residents to continue to report incidents to the police.

“According to Chief Inspector Hughes, there are representatives of the landowner on site requesting those present to leave, who are currently citing vehicle issues which are preventing them from leaving immediately.

“The location will continue to be visited and engaged with by the police to ensure that any negative activity is kept to a minimum and Chief Inspector Hughes has promised to keep me updated, and I will likewise keep residents updated.”

The land is managed by the leaseholder of the Kursaal building and is not publicly owned.

Those concerned about anti-social behaviour should call police on 101.