FRENCH travellers have returned to Colchester for a holiday- after they enjoyed their trip so much last year.

Eight caravans arrived on part of Abbey Field on Monday night having travelled to the town from Strasbourg, in the Alsace region of central France.

Many of the group are making their second visit to the town after spending about a week at the same pitch, yards from the town’s famous Roman chariot circus, in August last year.

The Gazette visited the community yesterday morning and found it made up mostly of women and children at the time, while a cross-bred dog stood at the front of the encampment, off Circular Road East.

One of the women, a mum-of-five, said: “We are here for three or four days.

“We are from Strasbourg.

“Some of us have been here before last year - not me, but others here.

“They said it was a good place so we have returned on holiday.

“After three or four days, we will go to another town.”

She added: “The weather has been OK, not as much sun as Strasbourg but we think it is OK.”

This morning (Wednesday) at least 15 caravans are said to have pitched up at the site, and a lorry was spotted deliverying mattresses to the new residents on Abbey Field.

About 11 caravans arrived on the same pitch in August last year.

A man who the community referred to as “the boss” told our reporter the group would stay for four days.

However, the Ministry of Defence, eventually had to initiate court proceedings to clear the site.

Speaking on the new encampment yesterday, an MOD spokesman said: “We are aware of the issue and we are taking appropriate action to move them on.”

Tim Young (Lab), Colchester councillor responsible for tourism, said: “It’s fair to say it is a bit of a double-edged sword.

“I think it is great that they enjoyed Colchester and that our French guests have come back.

“But I would not condone or encourage illegal pitching from travellers.

“That being said, I do believe we need to cater more for travellers but I do support the Ministry of Defence in the action they are taking to move them on from the site.

“Maybe the best thing for them to do is to find a farmer who would not mind having them on his or her land if they are to be no trouble.”

Meanwhile, up to nine caravans also pitched up on land at the junction of Langham Lane and Park Lane, in Langham.

The group say they plan to stay on the site for “a few days”.

Barriers which appear to be able to close were lying open yesterday afternoon when the Gazette visited the site.

An encampment was also spotted on land next to NatWest bank, in Severalls Business Park.

Both sites are thought to be in private ownership and it will be up to the landowner to take action to move the travellers on.

Video by Glen Hook