TRAVELLERS arrived on farmland in Burnley yesterday in the face of protests from residents.

Police went to the land, belonging to Foxstones Farm, between Foxstones Lane and Red Lees Road in Cliviger.

But witnesses said they did not stop eight caravans and camper-vans setting up site.

Resident Tom O’Shea said: “About 15 vans and trailers and mobile homes turned up and at first about three or four got on the land.

"They cut chains and padlocks to get on to this field, which the police didn’t seem too concerned about.

"I was there and all the police did was put a car on the lane to stop them and put a van to block them.

"But they went further down the they lane and literally drove through a wooden gate to get in.

"The law is an absolute disgrace.

“They have turned round to the family that owns the farm and said you have got to get an injunction to have them moved.

"Why can’t the police just tell them to move on?”

Police are unable to remove the travellers without a legal order.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We are aware of the situation and we are working and liaising with the landowner and offering advice.”