Police chase travellers around town

Travellers have sent police on a ‘wild goose chase’ today, as up to 30 caravans split into groups, stopping and starting at several locations across Rochdale.

Officers first moved a group of caravans from the town centre at 10.00am this morning, before finding five caravans parked up at the new Kingsway Business Park at 1.00pm.

A total of 10 vehicles were then pursued on Nile Street at 3.00pm, including seven caravans, where they stayed for an hour before setting off towards Oldham Road.

Reports of between 15-20 caravans were later seen on the old Whipp & Bourne site, Manchester Road, Castleton, and a further six caravans on the old Woolworths site, off Royle Road.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “We are aware of the problem today and we are taking the necessary steps to resolve it as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We have trailed the caravans from numerous sites.

“Officers arrived at Sir Isaac Newton Way (Kingsway Business Park) to cordon the area off, but five caravans had already parked up there.

“We also have a log of caravans on RMBC transport and waste land.”

More to follow…