A POPULAR pub has been forced to close for more than a week after dozens of travellers invaded the campsite.

A total of 15 caravans arrived at the Strangers Home Inn on The Street, Bradfield, late last Wednesday.

The landlord, who asked not to be named, has served the travellers with a court order, which means they face legal action if they do not leave by 9.30am today.

He said: “About 15 vans turned up over the course of the night, waking me up with the noise.

“They have refused to leave and we had to close while the matter is dealt with.

“It’s a real shame as I only took over the place in March. There is a real mess on the site and the doors to the shower blocks are off the hinges.”

Aimi Jenkins, 33, and Brad Wokso, 26, of Long Meadows, Dovercourt, were due to hold her wedding reception at the pub today, but have been forced to hastily change their plans and move the reception to Greenacres Caravan Park because of the disruption.

Miss Jenkins said she did not blame staff at the pub for what had happened.

“Things have been bad for us, but we have been overwhelmed by the support of local people, so we may still be able to go ahead with something of a reception,” she said.

“We feel really awful for the landlord and landlady of the Strangers.

The Village Maid pub, in nearby Heath Road, was also forced to close on Friday night and has been calling last orders earlier for the rest of the week in a bid to avoid trouble.

Landlord Tony Cuttel said: “It was our busiest night of the year and we had to shut due to the menacing behaviour of one group.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “This is currently being dealt with as a civil matter and police have not requested the travellers to move at this time.

“There have been two reports of criminal damage at the site over the weekend, which are currently being investigated.”