TRAVELLERS who “invaded” the village green at Culcheth overnight were
swiftly moved on by police this morning – only to move onto at least
two pieces of private land near the village.
They are now occupying land near the Taylor Industrial Estate, off Warrington Road and also farmland between Culcheth and Glazebury.
Borough council workmen cleared up litter left on the green after the travellers had left.
But now people living near the newly occupied sites are worried about how the travellers can be moved on.
One householder said: “Just how can we get them off?”
Cllr Sue Bland – who reported the issue to police and the council last night, said: “The police and the council have moved swiftly on this and I am pleased to say the travellers have left the village green. I think it is all thanks to swift action by the police and council. They have been very good.”
The travellers began to arrive on the green shortly before 9pm last night.
According to eye-witnesses they came from the East Lancs Road, through Glazebury and gained access to the green by driving over a car park in Lodge Drive.
One report said a car was damaged and a woman was warned that her car would also be damaged if she did not move it to allow the travellers access to the green.
Bricks and stones were said to have been thrown at one car.
In a joint statement, Warrington North MP Helen Jones – who lives in Culcheth – Cllr Chris Vobe and Cllr Matt Smith said: “It is disgraceful that these people can get on to the village green and confront residents. Everyone, whatever lifestyle they choose, should obey the law.
“We will be asking the council to consider appropriate measures so that this area cannot be used in this way again.
“In the meantime, we are working pro-actively with the police and council officers to ensure that the travellers are moved on as quickly as possible.”
Cllr Vobe and Cllr Smith were at the scene until nearly midnight, liaising with police and local residents. They alerted Professor Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the council, to the situation.
