Concerned residents are asking for people to write witness statements in relation to an ongoing dispute over an ‘unauthorised encampment' in Darwen.

A stop notice came into effect on Tuesday, July 16, requiring all activity on the site to cease - which included engineering operations, the provision of utility services and the deposition of waste material.

Despite this, local residents have reported several incidents of ongoing work in the area after this notice was provided.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said it had been made aware of the continuing work on the site in Whitehall but found no evidence - meaning no action was taken.

The site located on a farm off Bolton Road was visited by officers on Thursday, July 25.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, executive member for growth and development, said: “A planning enforcement notice and full stop notice were served on July 12, requiring the landowner to do no further work on site from when the stop notice came into effect.

“We have responded to residents’ concerns that work is continuing - officers visited the site to carry out an inspection.

"They found no evidence of continuing works, and therefore no action can be taken.

“We will continue to monitor the site to ensure the landowner complies with the planning notices.”

Residents close to the site said they have now spoken to legal representatives who are starting to compile the prosecution file with witness statements and formal evidence.

Investigation officers are then expected to meet with the relevant residents to discuss any activities they have witnessed on the site.

A further enforcement notice was put in place which required all land use to cease and for caravans to be removed.

This comes into effect from August 13 and the occupiers will have nine months to comply.

Any residents who would like to make a statement should contact planning@blackburn.gov.uk with their details.