FURTHER legal action is being taken by Barrow council after travellers refused to move off a site.

A risk assessment was undertaken last Wednesday and the group was ordered to move on a day later.

But the council has said that further legal action is now being taken to move the group on.

Public Protection Officers from Barrow Borough Council visited the site, located in an area of Biggar Bank, to carry out assessments.

According to the council, the travellers arrived on land just off Biggar Bank Road on Sunday, April 3.

South Walney county councillor Frank Cassidy said: “A number of island residents have contacted me about this issue and I have made quite a few visits to see the situation for myself.

“After investigating complaints relating to public health, litter and other concerns, Barrow council gave notice for members of the travelling community to leave Biggar Bank.

“The visitors have not responded to those instructions and I understand the next step of the process is for legal papers to be served.

“I would like to thank town hall officers for their help in tackling this problem and I’m grateful to Walney residents for their patience while it’s being dealt with.”

The council have confirmed the site will be attended frequently to ensure the tidiness of the site during the travellers ‘limited stay’.

A spokeswoman for Barrow Council said: "A second Risk and Welfare Needs Assessment was undertaken on April 13, in line with the Cumbria Joint Agency Protocol for Responding to Unauthorised Encampments.

"On April 14, a Direction to Leave notice was served to require the members of the travelling community to leave the site immediately.

"As of April 19, 2022, this requirement has not been met and Barrow Borough Council is now taking further legal action to ensure compliance with the order mentioned above."