A NEW encampment of travellers looks set to cause another financial and legal headache for the town.

The latest members of the itinerant community to stay in Warrington parked their caravans just off Knutsford Road, by Black Bear Bridge, on Tuesday morning. The camp is next door to the Victoria Park.

A resident of Knutsford Road, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "They appeared and settled in, in what seemed like no time at all. I went into town in the morning and when I came back only hours later, they looked like they were here for a long stay.

"A lot of people were sitting outside their caravans on chairs. Children and dogs were just running around. We've never had anything like this before. I'm frightened of leaving the house."

Police and council chiefs said they will be keeping a close eye on the camp. But residents face a wait for legal action before they will be moved on.

A council spokesman said: "We are making an appeal to the County Court for their removal."

The authorities remain powerless until an injunction is granted by the court. The costs of such an appeal can run into thousands of pounds and after they have been moved on, borough leaders could be faced with a bill of up to £4,000 to clean up the area.

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