BRITISH Gas is taking urgent steps to remove a group of travellers who have set up camp on the site of a proposed multi-million pound retail park.

Several families have moved onto the site of the former British Gas depot, Russell Street, Town's Moor, Blackburn.

A spokesman for British Gas Property Division, said: "We intend seeking a court order to enforce their removal."

Meanwhile, the application for the redevelopment of the site will be discussed at a Blackburn with Darwen council meeting next month.

British Gas and Creswell Estates want to create a 64,500sq ft park which is expected to attract national retailers and create up to 150 new jobs.

A recent independent study found the complex would not have an adverse affect on trade in Blackburn town centre, despite fears by some retailers.

Bob Worraker, managing director of Creswell Estates, said: "The study also showed Blackburn is losing trade to Preston, Bolton and Bury as well as Manchester and this trend will increase unless new shopping facilities are built.

"We believe the development of our site will encourage people to shop in Blackburn centre instead of out of town complexes and competing towns."

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