1 week Ago
The arrival of a horse lorry being used by a travelling family has alarmed residents living near the former Crown and Thistle pub on Roman Road between Darwen and Edgworth. Town hall officials are now seeking to persuade the occupants of the vehicle - who describe themselves as ‘van living off-grid’ people - to move on. West Pennine ward Conservative Cllr Jean Rigby has said she and local people are 'extremely concerned' about the arrival.
It is the third unauthorised travellers' encampment in Blackburn with Darwen in recent months, with the borough council already monitoring settlements on private land near Whitehall Park in Darwen - where the residents have appealed official efforts to remove the caravans - and on land surrounding a bungalow in St James Street, Mill Hill. A spokesperson for the council said: “Blackburn with Darwen Borough 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.
“Further investigations included Land Registry checks, and a Planning Contravention Notice (PCN) was served on both the occupants and the named landowners. "To date, the occupants have not responded to the PCN. “The landowners have now returned the completed PCN, stating that they had no prior knowledge of the breach of planning control.
“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. "If it remains in place, the matter will be referred to the appropriate committee and progressed accordingly.
“The occupants have described themselves as ‘van living off-grid’. "As the land is privately owned, responsibility for managing unauthorised encampments rests primarily with the landowner. “However, the council will continue to monitor the situation and has given advice regarding noise complaints.
“We understand that this situation has caused concern for local residents, and the Council remains committed to addressing the matter within the legal framework.” Cllr Rigby said: "I am aware of this. I have raised it with council officers.
"The residents and I are extremely concerned about this. "They have been there for several weeks. Does this mean other travellers will join them?" One nearby resident said: "The pub is now closed, and despite being boarded up shows clear signs of having been broken into.
"The travellers took up residence in late 2024, and to date, despite repeated requests for support from the council, no action has been taken. "Complaints have been made about public health issues, aggression from the travellers, intimidation and the inability of walkers and locals to pass through the site.".
