A GROUP of travellers pitched up on a car park of a former casino...only to quietly move on when asked by police.

The group was spotted at the car park of the former Rendezvous Casino, at the Kursaal on Southend seafront, on Monday night.

Residents complained the travellers caused considerable nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

Labour Kursaal ward councillor Matt Dent said: “I have been made aware by residents of a group of travellers setting up in the car park of the Rendezvous Casino, and causing considerable nuisance and anti-social behaviour to residents in the area.

“I would request that any residents of the area observing any antisocial or criminal behaviour report it to the police, and or to myself.”

“Residents told me the travellers were making a lot of noise, I’m pleased it’s been resolved quickly and it will be a relief for the residents who were disturbed.”

He took to Facebook to that the group had left the car park by 2.15pm yesterday.

It comes after Sir David Amess, Tory MP for Southend West and Stephen Metcalfe, Tory MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, wrote to Home Secretary Priti Patel demanding action to give police stronger powers.

In June, it was announced that the Rendezvous Casino at Southend’s iconic Kursaal was to close for good because of the downturn caused by Covid-19.

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “We are aware of a group of travellers who pitched up in the car park at the former Rendezvous Casino. Essex Police visited the site and carried out welfare checks and advised the group that they did not have consent to be on the land, and they have now left the site.

“Whilst the council owns the freehold of the land, the intermediate landlord is aware that it is their responsibility to arrange notices to leave.”