A HORDE of illegal travellers who descended on Newton, have sparked fears in the community.

Equipped with dozens of caravans and cars, more than 40 travellers had entered the site of the former Parkside Colliery by Friday, prompting concerns from residents and officials.

A resident of Banastre Drive, who did not wish to be named, said: "My house is opposite Parkside, its an awful situation, I chose to live in this neighbourhood, but not with these people on my door step.

"How can I allow my children to play out, not knowing if they will be safe?"

A 25-strong group moved on to the land on Wednesday but the number almost doubled at the weekend forcing police officers to take action.

And following complaints from residents living near the former colliery, enforcement officers for St Helens Council were sent to remove the unwanted visitors.

A spokesman for St Helens Council confirmed enforcement officers had been out to tackle the situation.

It is believed the group have now moved on to an official site in Newton.

The spokesman said: "A large group congregated on Parkside Colliery last week but, before any enforcement action could be taken, the travellers had moved on by Monday."

Newton councillor Suzanne Knight said: "These people have broken in and that is illegal."

However, according to a loophole in council regulations, the travellers would have been entitled to remain on the land for two weeks until an official enforcement notice was served.

She added: "This is costing the council a lot of money. They have to pay for solicitors. This is public money for people who have a blatant disregard for others."

"And St Helens does more than many local authorities for travellers. We have four big sites, two in Newton and two more waiting for planning permission."

A spokesman for Merseyside Police, said: "Our officers attended the site last Wednesday, to ensure there was no breach of the peace between the bailiffs and travellers.

"Our services were not required as it is a council matter and the land was cleared on Monday."

Meanwhile, less than a mile away in Grosvenor Gardens, residents fear an application for a permanent travellers site will damage the neighbourhood.

Further concerns surround the proposal as the existing site houses asbestos garages and could have serious health and environmental ramifications if neglected.