Travellers camped on Leigh Marshes may not be moved on until August, a councillor has revealed.
Peter Wexham, Liberal Democrat councillor for West Leigh ward, said the group failed to comply with a five-day notice to quit, which expired on Tuesday.
Camp - the travellers' site on Leigh Marshes Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Mr Wexham said: "The situation is that they haven't moved and the council has to go back to court.
"We have been told the earliest hearing is July 21 and it could be August before they are finally moved. They are going to be there until then unless they go of their own accord.
"The place will be a rubbish tip by then.
"The police have refused to enforce eviction because they say they can't prove they broke the lock on the gate."
Mr Wexham said the travellers were already starting to work around the borough at cheap rates but those who used their labour would pay in higher council tax because of the cost of clearing rubbish they leave behind.
He said: "We are being let down by police and by the court system."
The travellers are camped on land near Two Tree Island, which is likely to be needed by legal campers visiting the Leigh Folk Festival on June 28.
Published Thursday, June 5, 2003
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