A group of Travellers have arrived on a popular set of park playing fields in Bolton . They are believed to have appeared on Barlow Park Playing Fields in Astley Bridge at some point over the course of Saturday August. As of Sunday morning, a group of caravans and cars were still parked on the playing fields, which are a popular destination for families, football teams and dog walkers.
Cllr John Walsh, of Astley Bridge, said: “I got a call at about 5.30pm on Saturday afternoon saying that a group of Travellers had appeared on Barlow Park. “I reported this to the police and they were there within the hour, so all credit to GMP for their very quick response.
A group of caravans had been parked (Image: Newsquest) “They have established that this group are separate from the group at Little Lever and that they are trespassing.” He added: “The concern is that those pitches are often used by a lot of young people playing football so clearly something needs to be done about it.” Cllr Walsh says that as well as GMP he has also been in touch with the relevant department at Bolton Council.
He says he has also been concerned about a recent Daily Telegraph article claiming Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s plans could include allowing Traveller sites on green belt land. The group were parked close to playing fields (Image: Newsquest) The separate Little Lever Travellers group referred to by Cllr Walsh had been spotted towards the end of July at Meadow Close Playing Field.