COUNCILLORS were quick to reassure residents after travellers moved on to Leverhulme Park in Breightmet yesterday morning.

Travellers with at least a dozen caravans plus vehicles drove on to parkland that backs on to Maryland Avenue.

Councillors Debbie Newall and John Byrne said the party were immediately served notice to leave the land within 24 hours.

However, Cllr Newall voiced fears that the party might take advantage of the bank holiday weekend and camp at the park until Tuesday.

Both councillors were concerned about dogs running loose in the camp.

Cllr Newall said: "It is a worry when you have people walking dogs. The travellers' dogs are only little dogs, but they are running loose."

She said the dog warden had been informed.

Two years ago low fencing was installed around the park field to prevent travellers' vehicles being driven on to the land.

Cllr Newall said: "This time they have gone round the other side and down an access road."

She pointed out that it was impossible to block all access routes on to the park because it was a public area and because maintenance vehicles had to be driven on to land.