Travellers move to Ings Lane play area to the annoyance of residents

After a group of frustrated residents pleaded with councillors at the latest Rochdale Township meeting to do something about travellers in Rochdale, travellers have now set up home on the play area at Ings Lane frustrating residents in that area.

It is understood that the travellers arrived at the site on Thursday 17 July but it is currently not clear if it is the same group of travellers who were told to move from Cronkeyshaw Common by Rochdale Council.

Peter Forden, a resident in the area, said: “Before they had settled in they had caused damage accessing the field by damaging barriers, caused tailbacks and hold ups of traffic in both directions on the dual carriageway and were abusing residents.

“How long will we be expected to put up with this as victims of theft and crime before anything is done and when will our councillors get involved to be seen doing something?”

Mark Widdup, Director for Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Notice was served on the travellers at Ings Lane on Friday (18 July) requiring that they vacate the site within 24 hours. Assuming that they fail to comply with the terms of that notice, enforcement officers will be applying to court today (Monday 21 July) to obtain an order requiring that the travellers vacate, with a possible hearing on Wednesday and, if the order is granted, it will be served on the travellers the same day. They will then leave the site, either voluntarily or otherwise, on Thursday.”

Rochdale Police are aalso working to move the travellers on as soon as possible but can only move them on from a site within 24 hours if the circumstances are exceptional.

Speaking to councillors at the Township Committee meeting on Wednesday 16 July, Inspector Niall Pawson said: “Travellers are classed as a minority group and we can’t discriminate against them. Travellers are aware of the laws as well and in general will take it to the 12th hour and then they’ll move. We are aware that when they turn up they cause disruption to the community and people don’t want them on their doorstep.”

Rochdale Council is looking to set up dedicated stopping sites for travellers across the borough to avoid situations like this in the future.