COUNCIL chiefs are considering employing private investigators to help tackle the town's growing traveller problem.

The bid is being spearheaded by council leader Dave Watts, who has written to St Helens Superintendent Anne Moore to ask for police support over the issue.

Councillor Watts is hoping the planned initiative will make inroads into ways of tackling the traveller problem.

"It is not merely the fact that travellers occupy land which gives cause for complaint, many relate to damage and the pollution of the land on which they trespass," said Councillor Watts.

He says the plans are an innovative way of tackling the issue which causes so much concern to the council and residents throughout the borough.

By employing private investigators evidence could be gathered of offences committed under the Criminal Damage Act of 1971 and/or the Environmental Protection Act of 1990.

Councillor Watts hopes that the police will support the initiative by following up offences via the Crown Prosecution Service and to use powers of arrest under Section 25 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

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