Enraged villagers have questioned why an illegal traveller site has been allowed to remain in place for months – while another just 17 miles away was cleared within hours.

Travellers dumped truckloads of hardcore onto the field in Willows Green, near Felsted, Essex, without consent and under the cover of darkness, over the May bank holiday weekend.

Around 60 residents have now confronted Uttlesford District Council over the unauthorised site which has remained for four months – only to be told the travellers were not stopped because there had been no racism or threats of violence during the incursion.

Read more: The residents fighting back against traveller land grabs: Villagers descend on council offices to demand eviction from Essex field – days after another site was cleared following protest