URGENT steps are being taken to remove a group of travellers who have set up camp opposite a playground in a housing development on the outskirts of Sudbury.

A multi-agency group, including county and district councils, police and Suffolk’s gypsy and traveller liaison officer, met on Wednesday to discuss the unauthorised encampment of around 12 vehicles, which have been parked on vacant land on Aubrey Drive for the past week.

Earlier this week, about 40 residents concerned about noisy generators, loud music and screeching vehicles attended a Chilton Parish Council meeting to voice their fears. There were also concerns after police arrested two boys who were found in a garage in the area on Monday.

Following the case conference meeting, a Babergh District Council spokesman said: “Babergh will take noise enforcement action at the site as soon as possible and a ‘direction to leave’ notice will be prepared by the Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Service, which will be served on August 10.

“This notice will direct the travellers to leave by August 14.”

Should the group fail to leave on Tuesday, court proceedings will be instigated. In the meantime, Suffolk Police has agreed to continue to provide a regular presence at the site. Officers have already carried out a leaflet drop in the area giving information about travellers’ encampments and the law.

In addition, from Wednesday evening, Suffolk County Council will leave street lamps on all night as a temporary measure.

Earlier this week, one of the travellers said the only complaints the group had received from residents were about noise. She said the group had no plans to move on. The land is believed to be owned by Bovis Homes, although this has not been confirmed.