A bid for a court order to shut down Bolton’s biggest Travellers site has been delayed.

Earlier this week Bolton Council said that it was planning to ban access to Crompton Lodge caravan park in Moses Gate and was going to seek a court order to do so.

But the authority has now said that the hearing to be granted this order has now been delayed until the start of next month.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: "Bolton Council's application to the court for a closure order to prohibit access to Crompton Lodge caravan park has been adjourned until 1 July.

"This application has been made following careful consideration and in consultation with Greater Manchester Police.

"We will not be commenting further until the outcome of the court process."

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Bolton Council has made an application to Greater Manchester Magistrates Court for a closure order under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

If granted, breaching a closure order is a criminal offence carrying a penalty of either imprisonment for a period of up to six months or an unlimited fine, or both.

Bolton Council owns and manages the site in Moses Gate which can accommodate up to 14 families.

Council officers said residents who hold tenancy agreements will be supported throughout the process.