TRAVELLERS were evicted from a campsite yesterday morning after notice was served on them by bailiffs.

They had pitched up on the Axis Park site at Lower Darwen after being moved twice, from a site at Hollins Grove Street and the East Lancashire Warehousing site in Lower Eccleshill Road, both in Darwen.

But notices were served by bailiffs and the travellers were given a Section 61 Direction to Leave on Sunday.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said the travellers said they were heading towards Cheshire.

Fernhurst councillor Denise Gee said: “I am delighted they have finally gone, but sorry they got on in the first place.

"They have been disruptive for homes and businesses and the area, and there were children playing chicken in the road.

“It is a good residential area and to get people disrespecting it in this way was upsetting for councillors.”

At its height, the site contained 51 caravans.

Coun Gee said there was a small number of caravans that could not be moved as there was no vehicle to pull them.

She said: “A low-loader will be coming to tow those away.

“But the place has been left in a terrible state. I will be meeting with a representative of the landowner to discuss the next steps.”

Fernhurst Councillor John Slater initially contacted the site owner about removing the travellers.

He said: “I am glad to see they have gone. It has been a hard slog.

“I have had plenty of residents ringing me and emailing me with their concerns.

“I was hopeful they would go lawfully.

“In the end we needed a strong police presence, but the site has now been secured.”