Travellers set up site on Burnley pub car park - Lancashire

From the Lancashire Telegraph

A GROUP of Travellers have set up camp on the car park of a pub.

Around seven vehicles, including some caravans, arrived on the car park of the General Havelock pub, in Barracks Road, Burnley, on Saturday.

The group of Travellers have given indications to Burnley Council officers that they will be leaving on Friday but, as the land is privately owned, they can’t take any legal action.

A Burnley Council spokesman said: “Council officers have been up to the land yesterday morning to see the situation, but it is private land.

“The group have indicated they will be moving on, on Friday but, with it being private land, it is up to the land owner to take any legal action.

“We have provided them with bin bags to put rubbish in to try and keep the area clean and tidy, and our Streetscene department have also been asked to keep an eye on the site.”

It is the second time a group of Travellers have set up camp in the area this summer.

In May a group of Irish Travellers arrived on the car park of the Travelodge, across the road from the General Havelock.

On that occasion, around 12 caravans and Ford Transit vans set up camp outside the hotel, causing major headaches for staff and guests.

Coun Elizabeth Monk said: “The group have been there since Saturday, but I’m told they have been no problem at all.

“I’ve not had any concerns raised to me.

“They are on private land, so it is a matter for the pub to deal with now,” she added.