ELEVEN caravans will be removed from Silver Lane in Risley after unlawful travellers 'appeared to have broken' a gate lock to get onto the land.

The encampment was spotted last Friday by Woolston resident Charles Bold, 65, and the police have since attended the site.

A gate was installed on Silver Lane last August to combat the problem but groups have continued to frustrate those in the area by illegally accessing the land.

The council is investigating the matter and will be taking action.

A spokesman said: "Over the weekend an encampment of 11 caravans set up on Silver Lane.

"Police have visited the site – a lock appears to have been broken.

"We'll be taking action under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 – this is the power used by the council where travellers move on to any occupied land with the purpose of residing there or land without the consent of the occupier.

"Under section 77 we have the power to give the notice of direction to leave the land and remove the vehicle or vehicles and any other property they have with them on the land."

Mr Bold has been in touch with the authority to share his concerns but remains doubtful over whether there will be a solution anytime soon.

"I phoned the council to tell them about the damage after I saw that the gate had been damaged," he said.

"The hinges looked as though they had been smashed off. But it is a matter of proving whether those on the land have done it.

"The council spends an absolute fortune on this but I don't think there should be a transit camp in Warrington.

"I think the hinges on the gate need to be welded – I think that will be the easiest way to help stop this, or the side of the road should be mounded.

"We have to make it physically impossible for them to get onto the land.

"I have lived in Woolston for 45 years but I drive past Silver Lane every day."