WARRINGTON Borough Council has started work on installing a gate at Silver Lane in Risley to prevent unlawful travellers coming onto the site.

The operation commenced yesterday morning, Tuesday, and security was provided overnight, at a cost of £640, to ensure access to the site was managed.

The council also confirmed it was 'speaking to relevant officers' over an encampment on Bruche Park.

The group moved onto the land on Monday and more than 20 caravans were on the site but the council has confirmed travellers have now left.

One resident claims he was 'mobbed by children' from the encampment at the park when he was walking past

He said they attempted to steal out of his friend’s bag, shouted homophobic insults, threw sticks at him and 'attacked' his dogs.

Cheshire Police confirmed it received a report from a resident who had been approached by a group of children.

A spokesman said: "He was given advice and reassurance regarding their imminent departure and no further action was taken."

The council said it has received no reports of 'any incidents' at the park.

Cllr Paul Kennedy (CON - Hatton, Stretton and Walton), who is one of the founding members of the council’s planning for travellers task group, has praised residents for their behaviour.

He said: "Residents have restrained themselves incredibly and behaved very well – I commend them for that.

"My advice to them would be to not get directly involved."

Residents also claimed 'security' has been brought in at the Tesco Express store, on Manchester Road, following an 'incident' involving unlawful travellers on Monday night.

Tesco has declined to comment on the matter but confirmed the store remains open and said it did not have to shut early on Monday.

A group has also set up an encampment on the grounds of Birchwood Fire Station.

The council is aware of the matter and is 'in the process of ascertaining' who owns the land so action can be taken.