UKIP MEP, Tim Aker has reacted with anger at the government response to his petition after it reached over 10,000 signatures.
Back in September, cllr Tim Aker started a petition to: ‘Make the setting up of a traveller pitch without permission illegal’.
It has now reached 10,000 signatures and the government has replied.
The government response claims "Councils and the police have a range of strong powers that help them deal with unauthorised encampments and the Government reminded them of those powers in March."
Cllr Tim Aker MEP said: "It is a real shame that our government is not interested in acting and solving the problem like the government in Ireland has done.
"The Conservative government think waiting two weeks to clear an illegal traveller site and leaving the council with the costs of cleaning it up afterwards is acceptable. It just confirms that the Westminster elite are completely out of touch with the real world outside their cosy bubble.
"This shows the Conservatives are all talk and no action. It’s time for change in Thurrock."
