Hundreds of villagers showed up to a wildlife spot with camp chairs over the weekend to demand a halt to unauthorised construction on a Hertfordshire wildlife spot.
The work has now ended after a High Court injunction was served over the bank holiday weekend.
Heavy machinery and diggers were brought onto land off Sheering Mill Lane in Sawbridgeworth on Friday afternoon, sparking local concern.
East Herts Council said it was alerted early on Saturday to works taking place on the site, which has no planning permission for development.
The encampment prompted residents to organise peaceful protests, with pictures on social media on Sunday night showing around 200 people sitting nearby on camp chairs.
Local independent councillor Greg Rattey said: “(On Friday) we first heard that travellers had started to enter the site.
“They had huge lorries for tarmacking and fencing and all sorts and of course it was the beginning of this.
“The villagers, local people from the town, came out and did a great job.”
The area was cleared on Bank Holiday Monday following the serving of the High Court order.
Mr Rattey, a former local mayor, explained that the disruption to the floodplain caused widespread distress due to its natural wildlife value.
Hertfordshire Police stated that officers entered the site on Monday morning and those who had gained unauthorised access left peacefully.
The force added: “This was following an amended High Court injunction, which was granted and served this morning.
“The High Court injunction meant that anyone found carrying out activities prohibited by the injunction – including bringing caravans on site and occupying the land for carrying out development – could be arrested by the police.”
Officers confirmed no arrests were required.
Local MP Josh Dean published a letter on Saturday sent to East Herts District Council, Hertfordshire Police, and the Environment Agency. He noted that although the land is owned by those undertaking the work, there is no planning permission for the site, which includes floodplain and wildlife habitats.
Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward, executive member for planning and growth at East Herts Council, said on Monday: “I would firstly like to thank the local community for the part they played in supporting efforts to bring the unauthorised works to an end.
“It really was a collective effort, and I know how strongly residents felt about what was happening.
“While at times it may have seemed as though little was happening, I can assure residents that a huge amount of work was taking place behind the scenes to secure the action needed.”
Thanking officers, police and partner agencies for working over the weekend, she added: “I hope this sends a clear message that we will use every tool available to us to take decisive action when unauthorised development takes place.”
