TRAVELLERS have set up camp on a highway next to council offices in Bacup.

A spokesman for Rossendale Council said they were aware of a ‘unauthorised’ encampment at Futures Park and that officers were working to have them moved on as soon as they could.

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The illegal camp in Newchurch Road, near the council’s headquarters, has been a target for travellers on several occasions.

Alyson Barnes, leader of the council, said action was being taken to remove the latest settlers.

She said: “The travellers are on a highway and not on Rossendale Council land. We cannot seal off the highway.

“We have served a notice requiring them to move on and expect them to leave shortly.”

Councillors said they believed everything possible was being done to prevent illegal sites being set up considering the cuts they were facing.

Conservative Coun Jimmy Eaton, who represents the Greensclough ward on the Labour-led council, said: “At this moment in time, I think the council is doing the best it can under difficult circumstances.

“I understand there is concern from local people, but whatever the council does, they will not be able to please everybody.”

A legal battle was launched in 2012 after travellers set up a temporary home on the public highway, which is maintained and governed by Lancashire County Council.

Despite a written request not to settle, the group failed to move on and a legal process to have them evicted was started.

In 2010 the council also served an eviction notice after seven caravans and several cars turned up on the same site.

The council spokesman said they were working with authorities to move the latest group on.

He said: “Rossendale Council is aware of an unauthorised encampment at Futures Park, Bacup, and is working with Lancashire County Council and the Police to resolve the matter as soon as is possible.

“We will continue to provide updates as and where possible.”