BUSINESSES have raised concerns after travellers set up camp near one of the main routes into and out of Bolton.

A group of four vans and four caravans pitched up on a disused car park near Topp Way, opposite Bristol Street Motors.

The owner of a nearby business, who asked not to be named, said: "They came yesterday morning, and a few more vans appeared later on.

"It is quite worrying. Our business is secure, but you always worry about the security of the site and any other possible incidents."

Another nearby business owner said: "They seemed to know what they were doing, we saw a lot of vans appear at the same time and just pull up from the road.

"There is nothing stopping them, because you can access the area because a hedge area has been removed.

"It is a cause for concern, we will be monitoring it and being careful at the moment."

If travellers pitch up on a piece of land which is publicly owned, the council can threaten legal action if they do not move within 24 hours.

However when they arrive on private land, the council can only offer advice to owners.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We can confirm that the land is privately owned.

"We have informed the land owners of their options."