Council chiefs claim they are trying to reclaim Barony Park in Nantwich after travellers set up camp there almost a week ago.
Families with more than 20 caravans and vehicles arrived on the council-owned park last Friday (June 3).
Since then, there have been numerous complaints from residents and park users of litter and disturbance.
It’s the latest in a series of ‘occupations’ by travellers on the park over the last few years.
Now Cheshire East Council is being forced to the courts to serve a legal notice for the travellers to leave after fewer than half left after initial discussions.
A spokesman for Cheshire East Council said: “A group of travellers, consisting of 24 caravans arrived at Barony playing fields, Nantwich recently.
“Eleven of those caravans have now moved on.
“Council officers have visited the location and we are now moving forward with the legal process to secure possession of the site.”
One resident, living nearby, said: “Most people have nothing against travellers.
“But when they take over a public piece of land like this park so others can’t use it, and leave it in covered in mess and litter, then something is wrong.”
It comes as Cheshire East Council announced plans for a hard-hitting campaign to end fly-tipping in Crewe.
This includes a period of amnesty, in which offenders can own up and seek assistance from the council, to avoid heavy fines and prosecutions.
The campaign will be borough-wide, including Nantwich, and will focus on anti-social practices such as dog fouling and littering.
Councillor Paul Bates, Cabinet member for communities and health, said: “We won’t stand for it any longer and our proposals will hopefully present a sigh of relief for those who suffer at the hands of irresponsible neighbours who dump their rubbish wherever is convenient to them.”
“We would ask people to confide any concerns they may have around fly-tipping that previously they’ve been too worried to report for fear of reprisals.”
Dave: I expect that with the exception of a few liberals and politicians, the whole country agrees with you. They shouldn’t be “trying” to evict them, it should happen exactly as you say. Even if they’re moved on, they’ll be someone else’s problem tomorrow, then the whole pathetic cycle starts again. This should be an instant, evictable offence, with no appeal. Why aren’t the councillors and MPs tackling this awful, unfair blight? (And btw, what line of work are they in to afford such flash vehicles? Should we investigate their income and taxation?)
It is disgusting tbat the council has to apply to evict people off their own property at a cost to the ratepayers of Nantwich.
They should just turn up with tractors and tow them off.If they get damaged,tough.