A GROUP of ‘disgraceful’ travellers have been slammed for leaving behind an assortment of rubbish on a carpark - including bedding, old food and a gas bottle.

Two caravans, a campervan and various other motor vehicles appeared near the Olive Lane playground in Darwen at the end of March.

On Monday night, residents in the area reported that the group had moved on, leaving behind all of the rubbish and mess they had gathered during their two-week stay.

When they first arrived, people living in the area described feeling ‘intimidated’ by their presence, a sentiment which has since turned to sheer anger.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “This is in effect fly-tipping, which is an offence and if this happened on a country lane prosecution would be sought I am sure.

“This shows that these particular travellers are constantly putting two fingers up to people of the area who have to live here and us law abiding people.

“For the council to clean this up it will cost, a cost that is reflected in the recent rises is annual bills.

“At least the locals can now, once cleared of rubbish, enjoy the area and walk their dogs in peace, and the children can enjoy the facilities intended for them.”

Councillor Roy Davis, who also lived in the area, described those responsible for the mess and a disgrace and urged the council to do something about prosecuting those responsible.

He said: “I have seen the mess. It is disgraceful that they can keep going as they want.

“What they do is stay as long as they can by waiting for the council to get legal action, which has to go through the courts and costs us money.

“Just before a notice is served they clear-up and bugger off.

“It is ridiculous and I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see them around here this year, it is becoming a more frequent occurrence,”

Two weeks ago, when asked about the travellers, Blackburn with Darwen’ Council’s portfolio holder for environment, Cllr Jim Smith, said he hoped they would leave the site clean and tidy when they were moved on.

Reacting to the news that they hadn’t, he said: “The council will carry out the clean-up and we will then look to charge them for the word we have carried out.

“Unfortunately that can be very difficult to do as they move around.”

Previously, the council installed earth mounds around the park in a bid to prevent travellers, who have frequented the area previously, from parking up.