POLICE are trying to get a group of travellers moved on after complaints from residents.

A group of at least eight adults and 13 children in two caravans have moved on to a piece of disused land opposite Charles Street, Blackburn, which was once a Blackburn College campus.

The land, which is owned by Roseland Properties, has been used by travellers on and off since October after the college was demolished.

But because it is private property, police need the landowner's permi-ssion to eject the travellers.

And officers have not been able to contact any representatives of Roseland Properties.

Police Community Support Officer Michelle Mayer said her "heart went out" to residents in Charles Street.

She said: "I have met many families from the travelling community who have exceptional behaviour.

"However, I am aware that the behaviour of this group of people has been far below the standard expected and has been a great cause of concern for many local residents over the past few weeks.

"I have been in regular contact with the residents to address some of the issues this has caused. Police will continue to use enforcement tactics against anyone suspected of committing crime.

"Last week two people were arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly after reports of noise nuisance.

"The travellers of Blackburn have an excellent reputation but unfort-unately the behaviour of this small group is tarnishing that reputation for other travellers.

"I appeal to other landowners in the area to secure their property appropriately to stop unwanted vehicles or people using their land."

Coun Salim Lorgat, executive member for housing and neighbourhoods for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "This land is in the ownership of a private developer, not the council.

"It is the landowner's responsibility to ensure that the site is secure and is not used for purposes for which they do not have planning permission."