A GROUP of travellers has set up camp at The Dips in New Brighton.

Around 20 vehicles broken through concrete barriers installed after last year's efforts to have them removed.

Ward councillor and deputy Conservative Group leader Lesley Rennie told the Globe: "The concrete blocks installed by the council have failed to prevent yet another illegal traveller site from appearing almost on people's doorsteps.

"This part of the borough is, as we all know, one of the most popular locations for visitors and residents at this time of year.

"We have already been contacted by residents who are being disturbed by the behaviour of the travellers and concerned about the potential damage that could be caused."

Last June travellers parked at Upton Meadow for almost a week.

They were evicted after The Woodland Trust obtained a county order but just moved to The Dips in New Brighton.

They were later evicted and moved out of Wirral after the council took action.

Councillor Rennie added: "I am advised that a possession hearing is being sought for Wednesday and I will be urging the Council to have that enforced immediately, to minimise problems for residents and costs for taxpayers.”

Cabinet member for Law and Order, Cllr Paul Stuart told the Globe this afternoon: "When travellers settle on land owned by the council, we immediately take steps to regain possession as soon as possible, including seeking a court order, which is what we are doing in this case.

“In addition our professional officers have carried out welfare assessments of the vulnerable members of the traveling community and Merseyside police have been on-site today."

Powers to tackle illegal traveller camps are currently being reviewed by Government.

Housing minister Dominic Raab insisted most travellers were 'decent and law-abiding' people but said the Government was 'particularly concerned' about sites that broke the law.

Around 3,700 caravans, 16% of the total, were on unauthorised sites, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

It said they could cause significant distress for local communities with concerns raised about fly-tipping and noise.

Living on unauthorised sites could harm travellers' health and education, the department added.

Mr Raab said: "The vast majority of the travelling community are decent and law-abiding people.

"But we are particularly concerned about illegal traveller encampments, and some of the anti-social behaviour they can give rise to.

"We must promote a tolerant society and make sure there are legal sites available for travellers, but equally the rule of law must be applied to everyone."

Plans for a review were first announced in October in Parliament.

The consultation, which will run until June 15, will look at what more can be done to allow local authorities, the police and landowners to deal with unauthorised sites and developments.