TRAVELLERS were given 24- hours to leave yesterday after they descended on Little Lever.

Cars and at least 15 caravans arrived on Hill Top Playing Fields between 7.30am and 9.30am.

Concerned residents contacted Bolton Council throughout the morning and a Gypsy Liaison Officer was sent to the site yesterday afternoon.

The officer then served the travellers with a 24-hour notice of direction to leave the area.

The instruction means they must leave before the end of this period of time or the council will issue a court summons.

A resident of Hill Top, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I’m annoyed with the council because I think the fact that the grass hasn’t been cut properly has contributed. Instead of it looking like a park it just looks a mess.”

Community activist and former councillor Sean Hornby said: “This is worrying that they have turned up on a playing field which is popular with people of Little Lever, especially the young who regularly walk and play on the field.”