1 week Ago
The family living in a horse lorry which has settled on land near a pub have hit back at local residents and a councillor’s concerns about their arrival. Officials are now seeking to persuade the occupants, who have been on land close to the former Crown and Thistle pub in Roman Road between Darwen and Edgworth for several weeks, to move on. West Pennine ward Conservative Cllr Jean Rigby has said she and local people are "extremely concerned" about the arrival.
One of the occupants said: “This is an absolute joke and upsetting. “We as a family have been visited once by the council and he said he would work with us – it was a lie. “We’re not gypsies or ‘van lifers’ – we choose to live an alternative lifestyle.
“We were born in Blackburn our children was born in Blackburn and our mums and dads and nanas and grandads was born in Blackburn “We went to school in Blackburn and so did our parents so we have a right to be in this town “We have been travelling around the world and the UK with work and came up north recently to look after my sick mother. “The land we discovered had been fly tipped on for years according to local walkers. “It was shocking to see such a beautiful piece of land looking that way so we decide to clean it up and stay on for a while.
“Local walkers and some residents have said what a wonderful job we have done. “We have also spoke with local people and walkers and none has had a problem with us. “We are nice people.
“We haven’t been noisy or caused any trouble. “We just want to live peacefully. “The residents have no reason to be worried.
“We are just human like everyone else “We’re not the people they think we are and it hurts that we get treated like this. “We’re great loving people with a lot to give. “We only want to do kind and nice things in life.
” A spokeswoman for the Blackburn with Darwen Council said: “The council is aware of concerns regarding an unauthorised vehicle near the site of the Crown and Thistle pub on Roman Road, between Darwen and Edgworth. “Following reports of a horse lorry being used for residential purposes, an initial site visit was carried out on January 31. “A planning contravention notice was served on both the occupants and the named landowners.
“The council has requested clarification around the unauthorised residential use and has advised the landowners that they may become legally liable if enforcement notices are issued and not complied with. “It is hoped that the landowners will take steps to seek the removal of the horse lorry. “The occupants have described themselves as ‘van living off-grid’.
“However, the council will continue to monitor the situation and understand that this situation has caused concern for local residents.” Cllr Rigby said: “I and the residents are extremely concerned about this. “They have been there for several weeks.
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