TRAVELLERS parked in a town centre car park must move within 24 hours or face action through the courts.

Businesses near to the seven travellers caravans parked in River Street, near to Travelodge, have complained to Bolton Council about them.

The council said it has served the travellers notice to leave, and that it will apply for a court order if they have not left within 24 hours.

Estate agents Miller Metcalfe, which is based in River Street, said the firm has had to alter shift patterns because staff have said they do not feel safe in the area after dark.

A council spokesman said: “We are aware of the travellers and have served them notice to leave. They had up to twenty four hours to vacate the site and as they have not, we will apply for a court order to force them to leave the site.”