Travellers set up camp at former pub site

A convoy of travellers has set up camp on the site of a former pub at Risley, Warrington last night, to the annoyance of local residents.

The convoy of caravans and other associated vehicles arrived at the site of the former Noggin pub on Warrington Road during the hour of darkness last night.
Security fencing was moved to gain access to the site which has been vacant for a number of years since the once-popular pub closed.
Once on the site the travellers closed the security fencing behind them and set up camp at the rear of the premises.
The site is close to Silver Lane, which has been a popular venue for travellers for many years, even after a security railing was erected by Warrington Borough Council.
Parish Cllr Sue Bland, who was alerted by residents last night has been calling on the borough council to provide an official site in the town for a number of years.
“I’ve lost count of the number of times we have had problems with travellers in this area which causes lots of distress for local residents.
“I have also lost count of the times I have asked the borough council to provide an official site.
“Money has been put aside to provide such a facility and yet we are kept waiting. It is simply not good enough. This problem has gone on far too long right across Warrington,” she added.
The former Noggin site is private land and is understood to have been sold to a developer.