The operation is expected to take about 6 weeks. Huge compounds have been set up for cops, bailiffs, journos, everyone. The international media is watching, meaning bailiffs will be more inclined to go slowly and by the book. Definitely a good thing considering this bailiff company, Constant & Co, have a reputation for brutality, for example in similar circumstances last year collapsing a tripod deliberately on the tripod-dweller's leg, causing serious damage that left the victim in a wheelchair for some time.

Huge mobilisation has allowed for physical direct action that will cause them nightmares. With legal observers buzzing and bailiffs accepting yesterday that there were huge health and safety problems for them in tackling this situation, they will be unable to just wade in in the manner they are used to. Yesterday was supposed to be day one but there was no sign of action, and it is entirely possible that they had to wait to see what action people would take before going away to come up with a battle plan. Yesterday's injunction probably saved them considerable embarrassment.

Already there are signs that the cracks are showing. An angry council official bleated earlier today that any further legal costs for fighting the eviction (such as costs incurred by the injunction levelled last night) would be paid by the travellers.

There is literally nothing more important in this failing capitalist world than cash. Ongoing legal battles, physical confrontation, blockading and any other tactics available are coming together to make this as financially crippling a mission for the Basildon Council as possible. Remember £18m is the magic number, make this operation cost more than that and they're in big trouble.