Travellers have been moved on from a leisure centre.

A group of travellers have now left the site, to the rear of the Rayleigh leisure centre, Priory Chase, after a 'direction to leave' notice was issued by police.

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford has said the travellers have left Essex.

Rochford Council confirmed the travellers had left the site, with a spokesman saying: "Rochford District Council can confirm that Travellers who had taken up illegal encampment at the rear of Rayleigh Leisure Centre have now vacated the site.  

"Working together with Essex Police and the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit we were able to move the travellers from the location in the shortest time allowed by legislation."

Mark Francois MP expressed his delight that the travellers had moved on, but made further calls for the 'Irish Option' to be introduced in the UK.

The option will give police the power to remove a group of travellers the moment they illegally set up camp.

The MP said: "I am pleased to report that the large group of Travellers who had formed an illegal encampment on the fields behind Rayleigh Leisure Centre, have now left the area.

"According to Essex Police this morning, they have apparently now left the County, although their final destination is presently unknown."