TRAVELLERS have again returned to Silver Lane at Risley just a few days after a group vacated the site.
Three caravans and associated vehicles arrived overnight and have set up an illegal encampment at the same location which was vacated on Tuesday before Warrington Borough Council could enforce legal action.
One concerned resident said: “The area is still littered from the last visit.
“I don’t know if it is the same group or not – but they clearly know arriving at a Bank Holiday weekend it is highly unlikely they will be moved on.”
A barrier has been erected at the site in an attempt to prevent access – but each time it gets broken.
He added: “If a decent gate was put on there this wouldn’t happen. The clean up must cost more. What use is a chain and a £3 padlock?”
When the previous encampment set up last weekend Culcheth & Glazebury Parish Cllr Sue Bland said: “This has happened time and time again, they keep breaking the lock on the gate and getting away with it. They know just what they are doing these travellers.
“This has been going on for years now, how long does it take to find a site?? Numerous sites have been looked at by both the borough and outside bodies, but when it comes to making decisions zero!”
She has reported the latest encampment to the authorities.
Borough Councillor Wendy Maisey OBE added: “Silver Lane is a hot spot for this activity and a decision is needed by WBC as to the possible locations of the permanent traveller transit site.
“We need to all work together to resolve this matter once and for all for the residents of Warrington.”
Calls have been growing for the borough council to identify a permanent site in the town that would make it easier for police to move on illegal encampments.
