Bolton Council begins legal process over Traveller camp in Breightmet

The encampment arrived at New House Farm playing field, near Blenheim Road in Breightmet, at around 7.30 pm on Wednesday, September 9.

Residents have reported feeling “unsafe” and “angry”, fearing that this group will leave litter behind, similar to the last group as previously reported on.

Officers have now been to the site and have started their usual legal process, starting with a notice for them to leave – if not, it becomes a matter for the courts.

The previous encampment left last week.

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: “Council officers have attended this morning, and the usual legal process is in place.”

Around five caravans parked up around the edge of the field, with vans, bikes, and other vehicles spotted driving around the park in the evening.

Some residents have complained, seeing “smoke” coming from “quadbikes” shortly after the arrival.

One resident said: “It’s already messy from last time. The council cleared it last time, but there was lots of rubbish from last time.

Picture shows some smoke reported by a resident (Image: Public)

“I’m so angry, it’s spoiling it for everyone who lives here, we don’t feel safe anymore.

“I wanted to do some walks, but they’re just going to come back again.”

Vehicles were seen driving around the perimeter of the park when The Bolton News attended.

Bolton Council’s legal process is where officers visit the site to carry out an assessment and issue a code of conduct, along with Trading Standards guidance.

The council first serves a direction under Section 77(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, requiring those present to leave the land within 24 hours.

If they do not leave as requested, the council can apply to have the matter listed before a court.

(Image: NQ)

Once a court date has been set, the council serves a summons under Section 78 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, informing those at the encampment of the hearing date.

When the order is served, those occupying the land must leave within a reasonable period, typically seven days.

If they do not comply, the council says it will continue to liaise with police to assist in enforcing the court order.