TRAVELLERS accused of using the area as a toilet, starting fires and brandishing handguns at a site in Nelson are to be ordered to leave.

Councillors on the Nelson Committee demanded an order be served to ensure caravans are moved from the site at Sansbury Farm, off Southfield Lane, within two months. They also asked that representatives from environmental health visit the site to check conditions.

Truancy officers were also asked to speak to the travellers at the site because at least one child is thought to be living there and not attending school.

The council received complaints about the site last September and, according to a report by officers, a visit found the land was "grossly untidy" with burnt-out vehicles, dilapidated trailers, rubbish and discarded household items.

Three of the six caravans were occupied by travellers, who claimed they had permission to be on the site.

The report stated their claim to have permission was denied by the landowner.

Coun Sonia Robinson told the committee she had received a phone call from a resident who had seen the site. She said he stated that: "The occupants are defecating on the field, burning tyres in the middle of the night and charging people to dump rubbish on land that's not theirs."

Council officers had recommended a notice be served stating the caravans must be gone and the land tidied within six months, but Coun Robinson suggested the time be cut to two months because of the severity of the problems.

She said: "I know you don't want to see it like that but to wait six months I believe is not the right thing to do."

John Clancy, chairman of the Nelson Town Centre Forum, told the meeting there were also reports of handguns being brandished at the site.