TRAVELLERS who set up an illegal encampment on playing fields at Appleton Thorn have now vacated the site – and promptly set up camp on the nearby Millennium Green at Appleton.
The latest incidents have sparked an outcry from Warrington South MP Andy Carter calling on Warrington Borough Council to “play their part” in dealing with the issues after Government legislation making it easier for police to move on encampments.
An encampment of 12 caravans and associated vehicles arrived at the Millennium Green earlier today (Thursday) after being served with a section 60 notice to vacate the council-owend land at Appleton Thorn.
The Millennium Green site is privately owned by a Trust and officers have been liaising with the landowners offering advice.
Meanwhile Mr Carter said: “Labour have avoided bringing proposals to Councillors for a decision on a travellers encampment, despite having funding in the budget and all agreeing a solution is needed.
“The impact of their delays is that unauthorised encampments are continuing to appear on land across the area, leaving huge costs for taxpayers to pick up for clearing up and making safe when they finally move on.
“We’ve changed the law to make it easier for the police to do their job but the Council now need to play their part too.”
Travellers served with notice to leave Appleton Thorn playing fields
