Traveller group on Snipe

A group of travellers have left playing fields in Royton for Snipe Clough.

The caravans began arriving after 2 pm yesterday afternoon according to local resident, and the travellers are believed to be in Oldham for a christening.

They left St Anne’s School playing fields in Royton where they had become bogged down in mud this week.

Police were on hand, and environmental officers assessed the situation last night, according to the resident.

But she said local people felt let down after the barrier was left open at Snipe Clough.

She said: “It seems they were just allowed to move on here.

“The police said they could not serve a Directions to Leave notice until they all arrived, but that will be done this morning.

“We are disappointed. Last time the travellers came here they caused more than £50,000 worth of damage to the site.”