CONCERNS have been raised over the 'destruction' of a rugby pitch in Burtonwood after the area was taken over by travellers on Friday.

It is understood that four caravans parked up on Friday at around 8pm on the site off Fir Tree Lane 

Burtonwood resident Steve Cunniffe, of Karen Close, said it was 'heart-breaking' to see the damage which is being caused.

He said: "They are driving across the rugby field and are cutting it up.

"I have approached the police but they say it is a council issue.

"There are a number of teams of all ages who use the fields so it is heart-breaking to see what is happening."

The land is owned by the parish council.

A parish spokesman said: "A legal representative and a bailiff were engaged on Friday evening.

"On Saturday at 11am the travellers were served with an order for them to leave the Fir Tree Lane Grounds, the order gave them until 1pm on Sunday, this instruction unfortunately was not complied with.

"The travellers originally said that they would leave the ground on Tuesday, July 28.

"As this is not guaranteed, the parish council have now instructed the legal representative and the Bailiff to further the matter by way of a court order.

"The earliest appointment at the magistrates court is 9.45am on Thursday, July 30, this has now been booked, once an order has been gained the Cheshire Police will be able to enforce this notice and remove them from site. 

"The parish council are currently looking at ways to block all vehicle access onto Fir Tree Lane Field, an emergency meeting is due to be held shortly, where measures and costs will be discussed and a solution to the current issues implemented." 

Warrington Borough Council has confirmed it will be serving travellers on Sankey Valley Park a notice requiring them to leave the grounds by tomorrow, Tuesday, morning.

Officers visited the site today after being notified of the travellers.

A council spokesman said: “Council officers have made a visit today to carry out welfare checks and will be returning this afternoon to serve a notice requiring them to vacate by 8am tomorrow morning.”