Travellers evicted from Moses Gate site move to Breightmet

A court ordered a three-month closure because, of what the council and police describe as, the 'persistent criminal activity linked to the site'. 

The order was enforced today by Bolton Council with all residents leaving the site - with officers saying those impacted will be "offered a comprehensive support package".

But those living there say they have nowhere to go, with some moving to Breightmet - but the council warned they have been ordered to leave there as well.

Today a large number of police vehicles were at the site to assist with the eviction process.

Residents were advised that once they left they would not be permitted to return.

The police presence included several tactical aid units and remained there for the morning.

Read more: Police at Moses Gate travellers site

Read more: Bolton Council to shut travellers site

Read more: Bolton travellers say they have nowhere to go after eviction

Some moved to green space in Breightmet near the Deepdale Community Centre.

The Travellers told The Bolton News others would be joining them there as a result of being removed from the Moses Gate site.

But the council has said they have already been ordered to leave.

Margaret Doran, who lived on the site, said "There are more of us coming here.

"This is the best spot we could find, we are not leaving Bolton, we have schools and the doctors here.

"People have been welcoming they have asked if we would like to use their facilities.

"About half of us who were in Moses Gate will be coming here.

(Image: NQ)

"There will be five caravans, five cars and eight dogs."

Eileen Ward has lived on the site for six years and has stressed she and her family wish to remain in Bolton.

She said: "My family have lived here all their lives.

"We did not want to cause a scene. Most left last night.

(Image: Google)

"When the court order came we abided by that.They spoke to us like we are dogs.

"We are not leaving Bolton."

"My kids are in primary school were, we want them to have an education and a career.

She added: "We will be going to a playing fields in Bolton.

"We are not animals."

A police spokesperson said: “There was a police presence around Crompton Lodge in Bolton this morning (08/07/2024) while we assisted council staff in executing a closure order to prohibit access to the caravan park.

“Occupants vacated the premises without issue and residents who have a tenancy agreement with Bolton Council are being supported throughout the closure process.”

A Bolton Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of two caravans who have moved onto land adjacent to Milnthorpe Road.

"Both have now been issued with appropriate notices and will be required to vacate shortly.

"The rest of the residents have now left the area to other locations in the North West."

Bolton Council says support for the Travellers includes access to reserved temporary accommodation and measures to ensure there is no disruption to school attendance.  

The council, in consultation with Greater Manchester Police, applied for the closure order citing a series of incidents at the site involving drugs, serious violent crime, and firearms. 

(Image: NQ)

It was granted last week by Manchester Magistrates Court, a decision which allows the council to begin facilitating the temporary relocation of tenants.  

A spokesman for the council said that "ongoing criminal and threatening behaviour" had meant the site was no longer safe for residents, maintenance workers, visiting council staff, or other agencies. 

And the site was also "negatively impacting residents living near to Crompton Lodge" as well as placing a significant drain on both police and council resources.

Examples cited included the use of toilet blocks to store drugs and firearms, stolen vehicles being found on site, and repeated damage to CCTV cameras.  

Recent incidents have also included a serious attack on a council liaison officer and the illegal abstraction of electricity which resulted in power being shut off at the site.

(Image: NQ)

The council said the judge concluded that it would be “very likely there would be further incidents of criminal behaviour at the site if no order was made”.

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said:  “As the judge acknowledged, the council has always understood that Crompton Lodge is, first and foremost, a home and a place that is much loved by the families who live there.

“The safety and wellbeing of those tenants has been the council’s key priority throughout this process, and the decision to pursue a closure order was never taken lightly.

“However, the overwhelming evidence presented to the court shows we had reached a point where it was no longer possible to safely maintain the site.

“It would have been unacceptable to continue with the site as it was, a situation which harmed tenants, local residents, and the wider Traveller community.

“Our focus now turns to supporting our tenants to find a new home in a safe and secure environment, while the site remains closed and secure.”