Darwen Town Council has outlined the next steps for residents regarding the traveller encampment on land near Whitehall Park.

At a meeting last Wednesday, October 2, town councillors listened to the request from Cllr Neil Slater and the residents in attendance at the meeting but were unable to move the problem forward due to having no statutory powers when it comes to planning.

They have advised residents to attend the Blackburn with Darwen executive board meeting on Thursday, October 10.

Johnathan Hamer, leader of Darwen Town Council said: “Darwen town councillors are happy to champion the causes of residents.

“However when it comes to borough council matters I believe that it is most appropriate to direct those enquiries to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the elected representatives in the respective ward.

“I am sorry to any residents who were encouraged to attend who may have been led to believe that there was more Darwen Town Council could do.”

The issue was added to the agenda last week after complaints regarding a borough council stop notice not being enforced at the site.

Issued in July, the stop notice was provided to ensure no more work was facilitated on the site as it did not have the correct planning permission.

Having been enforced since August 13, it allows for nine months for the residential land use to cease, for caravans to be removed and for the land to be returned to the condition it was in before the arrival of the unauthorised encampment.

In August, the council was notified that the landowner had appealed against the notice and it is currently being handled by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Until the appeal is decided, the process for reinstatement of the land is on hold, however, the stop notice remains in place to prevent any further unauthorised development.

Over 30 residents attended the meeting last week, but Darwen Town Council were unable to discuss it as the request involved the Town Council writing to Blackburn and Darwen Council asking to send someone to the meeting regarding the enforcement notice at the Whitehall Site.

They informed residents that it wasn’t fair for them to act as an intermediary in the matter as it has no statutory powers when it comes to planning enforcement.

Cllr Hamer said: “Darwen town councillors listened to and addressed the concerns of the residents who attended.

“The majority of councillors who spoke advised them that they could take up the enquiry with Blackburn with Darwen borough.

“This would allow the residents to get an answer directly from the borough council's executive members.”

Residents were told if they wished to attend the executive board meeting on Thursday or to submit a question they can contact their borough councillors for assistance.

They can also contact democratic services at Blackburn with Darwen Council directly.