TRAVELLERS who set up an illegal site have moved on after being served with eviction papers.

Ten caravans moved on to private land in Farnworth on April 14.

They were served with a notice of eviction from the site at the junction of Gower Street and Egerton Street.

Officers at Bolton Council also applied for an eviction notice at Bolton Magistrates Court, which was due to be heard on Monday.

It could have legally forced the travellers to leave on Tuesday but they had already left.

Residents of Gower Street have spoken of their relief but said the land was left covered with rubbish.

Matthew Lopez, aged 28, said: "I didn't feel safe with them here so I am a lot more relaxed now that they've gone.

"They left all sorts of things behind like tyres and gas canisters and there was rubbish everywhere."

Heather Hodgkiss said: "It's brilliant that they've gone and I'm very surprised at how quickly they have moved off."

The council went to the site on Monday to clear the mess left behind by the travellers, who eventually left on Sunday.

Residents have praised the council for acting so quickly to remove the travellers and their rubbish.

Mrs Hodgkiss added: "The council came on Monday and cleared all the rubbish away, which was also brilliant and very quick.

"They haven't put the boulders back though so people can still get on. I'd like the council to make the site more secure so they can't come back."