Seven families refuse to go as bailiffs remove homes at Dale Farm

The last travellers at Dale Farm declared the fight was 'never over' today as they refused to leave the illegal site.

All but seven families walked off the camp last night along with the activists and supporters who had made up the "Camp Constant" since last month.

But as bailiffs continued their work today, removing abandoned mobile homes, about 28 people, including protester Minty Challis, vowed to stay put.

They are all that remains of the 400 travellers who had been living at Dale Farm on 54 pitches.

Basildon council officials issued 48- hour notices this morning indicating which plots would require the removal of hard standings, fences and caravans. They also issued notices to caravans on three lawful pitches within the site, demanding that they leave, too, so that works can be carried out safely.

The council hopes to have the site cleared by the end of November.

Candy Sheridan, of the Gypsy Council, said residents had shown "full compliance" with the enforcement notices by moving onto the lawful plots. She described the process of eviction as "slow and intimidating". She said the travellers would seek an injunction to prevent the removal of caravans from the lawful plots.

It is understood that bailiffs could carry out demolition work around the travellers who remain if they refuse to leave by fencing off parts of the site.

Margot Flynn, a mother of three whose mobile home is parked on a lawful plot, said: "I was told by the High Court that I was allowed to live here. I have three young kids. They should be in school, not looking at bailiffs."

Mary Flynn, an elderly, ill traveller who tried to appeal against the eviction through the High Court, is among those on a legal plot refusing to leave.

Ms Sheridan said the possibility of bailiffs burning structures could pose health risks.