IT’S good news for people all over the Bolton area that the Government is looking at tough new powers to crack down on illegal travellers.

Only last Summer, tensions were high between local residents and travellers who set up camp on several sites across the borough including Farnworth, Sharples and Middle Hulton.

Ministers want to address concerns about anti-social behaviour , fly-tipping and noise. They also recognise that travellers living on unauthorised sites can damage people’s health and, around schools, their education. They can also prove very costly in clean ups afterwards.

Government will review the powers that local authorities have to deal with travellers and many Boltonians will applaud this latest move. Unfortunately, travellers can come with a variety of problems that spell bad news for areas and local communities. This latest move is very welcome and, if there are new powers, we look forward to them being enforced.