Trenches dug at Cronkeyshaw Common to deter travellers

Photo: Ann Johnso

Trenches at Cronkeyshaw Common

Rochdale Council has dug what have been described as ‘trenches’ by residents on Cronkeyshaw Common.

The majority of residents have praised the council for taking action to deter travellers though some have described the effort as "a waste of time".

Martin Taylor, Head of Environmental Management at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We have recently installed sunken barriers to prevent unauthorised vehicles accessing the common. The designs allow pedestrian and wheelchair access while having minimal impact on the views across the common.”

Travellers often use the common as a place to set up home and residents close by have been trying for a while to stop the problem.

At a meeting of the Rochdale Township Committee in July 2014, a group of residents made an emotional plea to councillors about the issue.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/88386/frustrated-residents-take-councillors-to-task-over-travellers

Rochdale Council also stated in August 2015 that they were looking at obtaining a borough wide injunction for moving travellers.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/97403/council-looking-to-obtain-boroughwide-injunction-for-moving-travellers