Around 50 people set up camp at Langdon Hills Recreation Ground at approximately 9.30pm last night. Basildon Council said the group used power tools to cut through the padlock and that action would be taken to remove them from the park. A spokesperson for Basildon Council said: "Basildon Council is aware that last night there was forced entry into Langdon Hills Recreation Ground by Travellers who cut off the access padlock and is taking action. Travellers told the Echo they had not been disturbed by residents and planned to leave for an event later in the week. Essex County independent councillor for Westley Heights, Kerry Smith, raised concerns about the potential fire risk during the ongoing heatwave.