A BUSINESS was forced to close to customers after travellers set up an illegal camp outside.

A worker, who asked not to be named, said human excrement had been left on a ‘dispatch slope’ used by his company to send goods to customers at the firm on the Glenfield Business Park in Whitebirk, Blackburn.

The 20 caravans were moved on yesterday after a court order was issued, but left bags of rubbish behind.

The worker said the mess had led to parcels being delivered a day late after couriers refused to collect them.

It also led to the online company closing its doors to walk-in trade at the start of this week.

He said: “We shut the customer gates because it wasn’t possible for them to come into our shop without stepping in the mess.”

“I’ve not had a problem when travellers have used the site before, but the way this group acted was disgusting.

“I don’t understand why they had to use our business as a toilet when there is a field concealed from public view nearby.

“I’m glad they’ve gone because this group were intimidating but I think it will be a while before we can open fully again.”

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said they had not had any serious problems with the group.

She said: “There are many occasions where the presence of travellers on private or public land is a civil matter and no offences are committed.

Meanwhile, six caravans have been illegally parked in the council-owned pay and display car park on Canterbury Street in Wensley Fold for several days after moving a barrier to prevent large vehicles from entering the site.