A GROUP of travellers set up camp over the weekend outside of Barrow Town Hall.

Approximately ten vehicles were seen to be situated around the Town Hall car park between Sunday and Monday after remaining on the car park for an overnight stay.

Cumbria Police told The Mail they were first made aware of the traveller encampment on Sunday.

Travellers are no strangers to Cumbria, with the annual Appleby Horse Fair attracting 10,000 gypsies and travellers every year - making it the biggest traditional traveller fair in Europe

The attendees usually include British Romanichal, Irish Travellers, Scottish Gypsy and Traveller groups, Kale (Welsh Romanies), and more.

However, this year's fair was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It is not known why the group of travellers were in the Barrow area.

Councillor Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “Council officers spoke to members of the travelling community in relation to the overnight parking of caravans in Barrow Town Hall car park.

“A notice was served requiring them to leave with immediate effect. All left the location shortly after this.”

The travellers were seen leaving the car park at around 3pm.

One eyewitness said: “There was an older man out on the car park earlier feeding all of the seagulls. It just isn’t good enough.

“And there’s rubbish on the ground when there’s empty bins right next to them.”

The travellers had left multiple rubbish bags piled up against parking meters on the site.

The large number of seagulls had torn through the bags, leaving rubbish strewn across the Town Hall car park - even leaving a soiled children’s nappy among the mess.

A single, pink, children’s toy was also left behind by the group.

In England, trespassing is a civil offence and not a criminal offence.

Police have powers to move travellers off land where criminal activity by them can be established, otherwise they can only be encouraged to move on.

A police vehicle was seen leaving the Town Hall car park at 11am yesterday morning.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: “Officers alongside the local council have attended the site to speak with the travelling community.”

Members of the travelling community were approached for comment by The Mail, however they declined the offer to speak.