A GROUP of travellers who have set up camp in the middle of a beauty spot have sparked outrage by parking their vehicles in disabled bays.

Two gypsy wagons, trailers, a van, and cars appeared on the banks of the Edisford River near Clitheroe on Sunday.

The group, who have been burning fires on the grass, have also tethered horses in a field along the banks of the river to graze and have at least two large dogs with them.

It is thought that they may be on their way to Appleby Fair, an annual gathering of the gypsy and travelling community in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, in June.

Several residents have expressed concerns over their arrival, lodging complaints with the Ribble Valley Council.

Former Whalley councillor Terry Hill said: “The main argument coming from people in the area is, why should they be allowed to park up there for free when there is a wonderful campsite next door, which many people pay a good price to stay at.

“They are parked on a Ribble Valley Council car park and are taking up the space in the disabled bays. Another concern we have is the mess they may leave behind – the council spend a lot of money clearing up after travellers.”

The beauty spot is a local tourist attraction popular with families, especially when the sun comes out and during the holidays.

James Turner, who lives in Clitheroe and walks his dog in the area most days, said: “Going by history, any travellers that pitch up just leave the area without a care in the world about the mess they leave behind.

“They have three horses with them and are using the banks on the other side of the river to keep them there. People pay good money to keep their horses in fields and it is not fair that they rock up and get to keep them for free. On top of it all they are parked in the disabled bays which is not only selfish, but totally disrespectful to those who have a genuine need for them.”

Across the county in Bacup, more travellers left a site near Futures Park on Wednesday afternoon after being served notice by Lancashire County Council.

A Rossendale Council spokesman said the travellers began to leave the site following this and have now moved on. The council cleaned the area from all the rubbish left behind.

Tony Hart, who took photos of the mess, said: “If they are going to stay in our town for a week the least they can do is have the decency to clean up after themselves. It’s not just disgusting but embarrassing too.”