A group of travellers in Essex have been told they could be sent to prison if they do not leave a caravan site.

Epping Forest District Council served a notice to the travellers at Nazeing, near Harlow, to say they must leave by Thursday.

If they remain there, the council said it will issue proceedings in the High Court which would mean the travellers being forced to move - or face landing in prison.

Some of the families own plots of land of land at the site and their children attend the local school.

New guidelines

A spokesman for the council said: "Everybody hopes it will be resolved quickly and without trouble."

In a recent similar case, the eviction of a group living at Woodside Caravan Park in Bedfordshire was put on hold pending a High Court ruling.

The council there claimed the travellers at Woodside did not have planning permission to live at the park permanently.

In the summer, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Office announced new guidelines for local councils to evict temporary residents.

In the past, travellers could only be evicted after evidence of criminal damage or anti-social behaviour on campsites.