A COUNCIL will attempt to recover up to £4 million from traveller families - despite recommendations to ditch the debt.

A report by Basildon Council recommended abandoning attempts to recover the £4.18million because it was unrealistic to get the money back from the traveller families involved.

At a meeting last night, the council voted against the recommendation, and will now attempt to recover the £4 million which was spent on clearing the site. 

Last night's meeting followed lengthy discussions on Wednesday where Labour leader Gavin Callaghan described the suggestion as "unforgivable" and submitted an emergency motion for the matter to be discussed at the full council.

At last night's meeting, the council also voted to approve the housing plan for the borough, laying out where 20,000 homes will be built over the next 20 years.