TRAVELLERS have refused to move from a recreation ground almost two weeks after they parked up.

Three caravans were first seen on Baxenden Recreational Ground off Hollins Lane on Friday, May 12.

The travellers were served with a notice to move by Hyndburn Council that day but have not complied with the order and will now be told to attend court.

Residents in the area said they are unhappy the caravans remain parked up at the play park and want barriers putting in place to help stop this from happening again.

Alex Chadwick from the Baxenden Neighbourhood Watch Group said: “Everybody is really angry about it.

“It impacts on the local children and means that they can’t use the parks.

“It’s just total disrespect for the area.

“We want to get some fences up in the area because this is a frequent problem, but it’s finding the money.”

Peter Andrews, who lives nearby in Hollins Lane, said: “It’s very frustrating for the residents and tax payers who want to use the park.”

The field has two football goals and a children’s play park and is next to Hollins Technology College.

More than a dozen complaints have been received by councillors from residents with concerns about the travellers.

Cllr Terry Hurn, who represents Baxenden on Hyndburn Council, said: “As soon as we saw them we reported it right away.

“It’s upsetting for the people who live around there, it stops the children playing on the park.

“It’s coming up to the bank holiday weekend as well and it’s just not right.

“It’s such a slow process getting them removed sometimes.”

Cllr Hurn said he had previously asked for barriers to be put up in two years ago after a similar incident. The next available court date is May 31, he added.

A Council spokesman said: “The council’s application to remove the caravans at Baxenden Recreation Ground will be heard by magistrates on May 31 and the council is hopeful the court will grant an order for the travellers to move from the site immediately.”