But according to some councillors something needs to be done to provide a site for itinerants visiting Ellesmere Port.

Up to 19 caravans were parked illegally at the corner of Wellington Road and Cromwell Road from the middle of December.

Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council officers told the owners to move as soon as they arrived, but they refused.

Authorities were granted a Chester County Court order and on Tuesday bailiffs told the travellers to move on.

Borough council spokesman Vicky Chowdhury said: "The update is that there were only a few left and they were moved on by bailiffs.

"The travellers were provided with toilets and skips which they paid for themselves."

The council said the skips were also used to stop any other large vehicles gaining access.

The Mayor of Ellesmere Port and Neston, Cllr Ted Lloyd, of Rossmore ward, said: "The trouble was the bailiffs didn't work over Christmas and so we couldn't get them off then, hence there was a tremendous delay.

"We are in the process of trying to identify a site for travellers in Ellesmere Port because there is a bit of a situation with travellers. We are constantly discussing it at meetings.

"We have looked at places such as Halton (Runcorn and Widnes) which has a gipsy site, to see if we can do something similar."

Tony Walsh, ex-councillor for Whitby ward, said: "This is not the first time they have settled on this car park and it does seem a bit ludicrous that authorities have to apply for a court order to move them each time. I was very disappointed to see them there again.

"I think having the skips and toilets would save the council some money on the big clean-up afterwards, but local residents must be disturbed by it. We need a big push by the council to get something done."

He added: "We did have problems with travellers at Whitby Park but bollards were put up to stop them getting in, which worked."

Barbara Williamson, secretary for the Ellesmere Port Sunday League, has had problems in the past with the travellers camping on the Stanney Grange football pitches.

She said: "They made a mess on Stanney Grange and two pitches still are out of use.

"The council says the wet conditions won't permit them to get on the fields for the clean-up.

"The car park at Wellington Road and Cromwell Road was supposed to be used for market traders and I imagine people living opposite would be concerned about them being there."