Travellers have began to leave a popular park in Bolton after being ordered to do so by the council.

The group arrived in Leverhulmle Park in the early afternoon on Monday.

Nearby residents expressed their concern after the group arrived.

They were seen in deck chairs and having a barbecue a short time later.

At that time there were five caravans and around five other vehicles including vans.

Officers from Bolton Council visited the area a short time after their arrival, carried out a welfare check and then made an order for the group to leave.

The Bolton News: Travellers in Leverhulme Park

They had set up a base in the northern part of the park within a short distance of residents on Long Lane.

And now the group has begun to leave.

One nearby resident said: "There are still a few there.

"I can see two caravans and another van.

"They began to leave yesterday."

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: "Most of the vehicles have moved but there are a few left.

"We are following the usual process and the next step will be to obtain a court date."

Last October Bolton Council issued an order to leave after travellers set up on Bury Road in The Haulgh which prompted the group to leave after around a week.