Unauthorised traveller encampment sets up in Northamptonshire lay by

An unauthorised traveller encampment has set up in a lay by in Banbury Lane between Hunsbury Meadows and Rothersthorpe.

Police and Northamptonshire County Council's (NCC) Countywide Traveller Unit visited the site on Wednesday (February 24) where they were told by travellers that they are due to leave this weekend (February 27 - 28).

A spokeswoman on behalf of NCC's Countywide Traveller Unit said: “We visited the encampment at Banbury Lane following their arrival on Wednesday. We understand that they are due to leave the site this weekend. Otherwise we will look to start the usual process with a view to moving them on.”

A neighbourhood watch email from Northamptonshire Police was also sent out to residents in the county.

The email reads: "We have been made aware of an unauthorised encampment in a lay by on Banbury Lane. Both the Countywide Traveller Unit and Northamptonshire Police have visited the encampment and completed initial assessments.

"At this time, the encampment will be managed by the Countywide Traveller Unit with the support of Northamptonshire Police. Police Community Support Officers have and will continue to provide a reassuring visible presence in the nearby residential Pineham Lock and Swan Valley industrial estates."

Police encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity on either 999 or www.northants.police.uk

Back in September last year, an unauthorised travellers site pitched up at a different site in Banbury Lane, which led to residents in Pineham Locks saying they feel "afraid" of walking past the encampment.

One resident described last year's encampment as "like a small town" after more than 20 caravans were at the site.