A community college has installed barriers in a bid to deter trespassers following a series of break-ins.

Epping Forest College added a large metal barrier outside the entrance of the school’s Middle Block building in Borders Lane in Loughton following the departure of a large group of travellers who broke into the site on June 11.

The group, who were said to have broken down one of two metal gates securing the site, left on June 20 after being presented with an eviction notice from Essex Police.

The latest break-in follows an illegal encampment on the land in January which saw two caravans and a van parked up on the site for more than two months.

One of three buildings on the site was also left structurally unsound after vandals targeted the derelict Middle Building in May.

Epping Forest Guardian:

A large barrier has been fitted across the entrance to the Middle Block.

Although travellers have not recently targeted it, the college have also paid to fit a barrier across the entrance to Lucton’s Field in Borders Lane, Loughton.

Epping Forest College’s Jenny Gebka said: “We have installed the barriers to stop people coming in.

“Lucton’s Field also now has a barrier and we hope it will prevent anyone moving onto it.

“We listened to the neighbours who wanted more security and paid to install the barriers."

Epping Forest Guardian:

A second barrier was also fitted to block the entrance to Lucton's Field.

She added: “The site did have fencing but it was broken down when the travellers arrived at the beginning of the month.

“We are hoping to have that refitted to act as further protection beyond the barriers.

“These extra security measures will hopefully work to deter any potential break-ins in the future.”