More than half-a-dozen caravans have parked on fields in Little Lever ­— in the last camp to be established in the borough in recent weeks.

Travellers moved on Sunday night on a field off Dove Bank Road, with more said to be arriving on Monday.

Residents said there were around six or seven caravans on fields, known as Hilltop.

The playing fields were secured a few years ago to prevent Travellers moving on and it is understood that there is a order in place giving the local authority powers to impound any vehicles on the land.

In recent weeks, Travellers have been setting up camp on land across Bolton, following the closure of the permanent Gypsy and Traveller site in Moses Gate.

It is not clear if the Travellers on the well used playing fields are from the site.

Residents have reported the matter to the authorities.

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One said: "More Travellers seemed to have moved on since Sunday, and on this field vehicles can be seized.

"This is not an ideal situation."

Former councillor Sean Hornby, who has been contacted by concerned local residents, said: "What is happening is not good for the Travellers either, they are just moving from one site to another.

"The situation needs resolving soon."

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

Travellers said they were in the process of appealing the order.

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

(Image: UGC)

But Travellers have previously told The Bolton News they have been left with nowhere to go and want to stay in Bolton for the sake of their children, who are in local primary schools.

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.

Bolton Council say welfare checks will be carried out before actioning the legal process to evict the Travellers from Hilltop Playing fields