NEW fencing is set to be installed at a popular playing fields to deter unwanted guests pitching up.

Travellers descended on Baxenden Recreational Ground for more than two weeks last month and were issued a notice to move by the council.

Residents previously called for barriers to be put in place after the three caravans were spotted on the site.

Alex Chadwick, from Baxenden Neighbourhood Watch Group, said: “It was scaring people off using the park, it’s a place where children should be able to go and play.

“It’s great news, everybody is thrilled with it and it can’t come quickly enough.”

The site off Hollins Lane also had issues with travellers in 2015 when four caravans and two cars were spotted at the fields.

Hyndburn Council has provided £1,500 of funding, which will be used on the fencing

Cllr Terry Hurn, who represents the area on the council said: “It’s a relief that fencing will be put up.

“We lobbied the council to put fencing up after it happened two years ago but nothing came of it.

“I think they have realised it would be a regular occurrence if they don’t do anything about it.

“It is great news and it’s welcome from our point of view at long last.”

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

More than a dozen complaints had been received by councillors from residents with concerns about the three caravans, which were recently parked their.

The travellers were served with a notice to move by Hyndburn Council but did not comply with the order.

The fencing is set to be installed by the council later this summer.

Cllr Ken Moss, cabinet member for leisure, said: “Baxenden Recreation Ground has recently been subject to unauthorised vehicle access, which not only caused damage to the field, but also meant it couldn’t be used by local residents.

“Grant funding for fencing is very difficult to come by, however, the council has been able to find some funding internally at the end of the financial year which we can use to install suitable hit and miss barrier fencing to prevent further unauthorised vehicular access onto the Recreation ground.”