TRAVELLERS who have camped on the doorstep of Rossendale Council’s main offices near Bacup have been told to quit the land by town hall chiefs.

Seven caravans, and several cars, have been illegally camped on a service road near Kingfisher House, in Futures Park, for the past fortnight.

Council chiefs have confirmed that the encampment, within sight of chief executive Helen Lockwood’s office, has been served with an eviction notice.

Neighbours in Flag Street and Lee Road say they have not experienced any problems with the travellers, who have been having late-night barbecues on waste ground off Futures Park.

The area is also popular with mountain bikers, who park up near the camp site en-route to the new Adrenaline Gateway tracks at Lee Quarry, around 100 yards away.

Nearby traders told the Lancashire Telegraph that the same group of travellers visited the site each year and were usually moved on within weeks.

Arnold Cronshaw, of nearby Lee Road, said: “We have not had any problems with them but we have been wary. It’s usually quite quiet around here.”

A Rossendale Council spokesman said: “The group has been served with papers today and as soon as we get a court date we will ask the magistrates to agree to a removal order.

"Hopefully this should not take any longer than a week and then they will be required to leave.”

The council offices have been based at Futures Park for five years, alongside more than 20 other businesses who operate from the same location.

Last October a government quango ordered more space in the Valley for gypsies and traveller famillies.

The travellers are currently residing on land which has been earmarked for future development.

Futures Park was opened in May 2004 and cost £2.8m.