AN AMUSEMENT park has issued an apology over a post which said Southend had been "invaded" by travellers.

Adventure Island faced backlash on social media after sharing a post on Facebook stating it had been advised to close due to a group of travellers moving onto the Kursaal car park.

The travellers had reportedly led to businesses being advised by police to close.

Adventure Island stated on its feed that it was "better to be safe than sorry" when closing for what it described as a "traveller invasion".

However, in a statement on its feed this afternoon, the firm said: "After careful reflection, we as a company apologise whole heartedly for any unintentional offence caused by our recent post.

"We understand that the vast majority of the traveller population are hard working and decent individuals.

"It’s such a shame that a small minority act unlawfully, causing disruption for both the travelling community and the community at large.

"Adventure Island has and always will be a place that embraces diversity. Again we reiterate we are very sorry for any offence caused."

The traveller group were given a Section 61 notice to leave the site by today.