A family of travellers from Southern Ireland who set up camp on Westbourne car park in Liskeard last weekend, have said they are thinking about moving on over the weekend.

They have told police they are not from the group who have caused problems in the town in previous years and they do not want any trouble.

The encampment of five caravans and associated vehicles have been at the centre of controversy in the town all week, especially over whether or not the travellers were paying to park like other users.

Incidents

There have also been concerns that there would be trouble similar to the incidents caused by travellers who illegally parked in fields on the A38 at Horningtops for three years running.

Sgt Jo Williams, from Liskeard police, said she had visited the family who said they were having a holiday in Cornwall and were keen not to cause a nuisance.

'I explained to them that local people were understandably nervous after the number of incidents caused by the last lot of travellers who came to the area, but they assured me they were from a different family and wanted no trouble,' she said.

'I found them to be polite and respectful. There have been no reports of anti-social behaviour or crimes associated with the travellers. Their vehicles are being checked each day by the parking enforcement officers and they are displaying parking tickets. Tickets are not needed for caravans as they are not motorised vehicles.'

Motorists have raised concerns about the danger caused by the travellers' children playing in the car park and riding bikes. They have also raised fears about a generator, cables and dangers to pedestrians. The police say they are satisfied these concerns have been dealt with.

Cornwall councillor for Liskeard East Sally Hawken said: 'I understand there has been concern among local residents.

'I have visited the travellers to discuss these concerns and would like to reassure everyone that there is no cause for alarm. The situation is being managed by the council and local police, and I hope for a speedy and proportionate conclusion.'

Philip Eaton, Cornwall Council's Travellers' Liaision Officer, visited the group on Wednesday and has passed on the details of the situation to the Unauthorised Encampment Group.

Cornwall's few permanent gypsy and traveller sites are all currently occupied and the county has no transit sites.

The county council's recommendation that land at Horningtops previously used by travellers be turned into a transit site was the subject of a public consultation and was turned down by planners.