ESSEX – Scenes of violence have been avoided after Basildon council reminded Dale Farm occupants facing eviction that their homes have wheels on them.

Basildon Council leader Tony Ball pointed out to angry residents that the place they sleep has no foundations and could easily be moved to another location “at the drop of a hat.”

Mr Ball was said to be pleased have prevented further conflict in a straightforward manner. “All that was needed was to remind travellers their homes have four large wheels underneath them.”

An honest misunderstanding

Speaking at a press conference, Superintendent Trevor Roe said: “We were genuinely surprised at the reaction we got from them when we told them they had to move.”

“I mean, they’re travellers right? It was as if an MP told us he wasn’t going to claim his second home on expenses,” said Mr Roe.

“That’s when it occurred to us that they must think their houses are built into the ground.”

The situation was helped further when a council spokeswoman met with protesters to demonstrate the finding.

“This truck is like your home you see,” she explained while wheeling a discarded Tonka Truck approximately one metre along the ground. “It was over there. Now it’s over here.”

Our correspondent, who is inside the camp as authorities were explaining the concept of wheels, described it as “a very surreal moment”.

“People who just moments before were scuffling with police just stopped dead in their tracks with a dumbfounded look on their faces.”

Situation resolved

One traveller on site replied “Oh yeah,” after hearing the news. “I forgot. Those wheels are quite handy now that I think about it.”

The reminder meant further scenes of chaos were avoided. Another resident said she felt embarrassed having forgot her house could be rolled from place to place.

“You know, for a moment I did really did think it was rooted firmly in the ground – how silly of me. I’ve had so much on my mind lately it didn’t occur to me.”

“I wish someone had told me before I set my home on fire.”