A FURIOUS businessman blocked off a road during the morning rush-hour after travellers set up camp on his land.

Wellington Road in Bury came to a standstill yesterday (July 2) when Athol Paints, frustrated at the lack of police action against the travellers, barricaded the road with vehicles.

Salesman Mr Russell Halstead said: "We told the police twice that the travellers had moved onto the land and they didn't do anything.

"So I phoned them in the morning saying I was going to close the road."

Mr Halstead added: "It was the only way we could get the police down and they came quick enough."

He said a heated argument broke out between the owner, Mr Geoff Halstead and the police.

"The police's attitude has just been disgusting, they say they can't do anything because it is private land," said Mr Halstead.

Around ten gipsy caravans moved to the area after they were forced on from Ramsbottom early this week. Three of the vans set up camp on Mr Halstead's land.

"It is going to cost us £270 to have the travellers evicted but that doesn't stop them from coming back in a few months time."

He added: "We can't work properly because we need someone to keep an eye on them."

The police reopened the road and said they advised the firm to contact the council.

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