STAFF at a Burnley firm today claimed they had been stoned and intimidated by a group of travellers who have set up camp.

The families moved from a site off Accrington Road, Burnley, to Brencliffe Ltd after it was understood their caravans were attacked by residents.

But they only moved half a mile away to Farrington Road Industrial Estate, off Rossendale Road.

And the 12 caravans with around 40 adults and children set up on landscaped grass outside the front and side of the manufacturer of household and car textiles.

Operations director Stuart Wilson said the company had taken action through Burnley County Court and had served notice of an eviction hearing scheduled for next Thursday.

He said the grass had been damaged by heavy wagons, the place was strewn with rubbish, windows had been broken and the grass had been used as a toilet.

The firm has taken on additional security to watch over the premises after claiming workers and staff cars had been stoned.

He said: "They are causing damage to our property but we won't be able assess just how much until they leave. The police have been very helpful."

Police said they were monitoring the situation.

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