Group of Weelsby Wood's Travellers sent packing following joint initiative by NELC and police

                                                     

Weelsby Woods - Grimsby beauty spot where Travellers were made unwelcome  

TRAVELLERS have moved on from Weelsby Woods in Grimsby four days after setting up what North East Lincolnshire Council describes as having been  "a large unauthorised encampment".

They decided to move on following an initiative involving the council and Humberside police.

A clear-up team has today been on site to remove what NELC says was "a small amount of waste".

Barriers which the visitors damaged to gain access to the land have now been repaired.

In what is believed to be his first media release since becoming leader of the authority, Cllr Oliver Freeston  said: "This is a great piece of joint working with our local police force and a good outcome for the community. 

"It is also  a strong message that North East Lincolnshire is not the place for illegal encampments, and we have the arrangements in place to deal with these quickly."

Agreed Cllr James Sawkins, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, agreed: "We decided quickly what action would be reasonable and necessary to resolve this situation.

"Weelsby Woods is a lovely space, intended for public use, and we will continue to take any action necessary to protect the area."

It is not known where the Travellers had come from, nor their next port of call.