Travellers back on Fylde site a year on - Lancashire

From the Gazette

Travellers have moved back on to land in Thornton almost a year after they left – sparking concerns among residents and community leaders.

Police escorted more than 50 people in caravans to a field off Bourne Way on Sunday evening – after they had arrived unannounced on land close to Chatsworth Avenue, Fleetwood.

Coun Andrea Kay, Cleveleys Park ward councillor for Wyre Council, said: “There are a lot of people there and I’ve received a lot of phone calls from people telling me they are concerned.

“I know they need somewhere to go, but I don’t think a residents’ play area where our children go to play should be the place they end up.”

Travellers stayed on the same field for around a month last July.

Wyre Council says it is now working with landowner NPL Estates and police to come up with a solution to move the “unauthorised encampment”.

One Fleetwood resident, of Buttermere Avenue, who did not wish to be named, saw the Travellers move onto land close to Fleetwood beach before they were moved on.

The 21-year-old said: “When they got there residents came outside their homes and were talking about how shocked and disgusted they were the Travellers weren’t being moved straight away. It looks unsightly.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “When we are made aware of unauthorised Traveller sites, we work with the landowners and partner agencies to find an agreeable solution.

“There are many occasions where the presence of Travellers on private or public land is a civil matter and no criminal offences are committed.”