A GROUP who had set up an unauthorised encampment on Council-owned land behind a veterinary practice in Ellesmere Port have now vacated the area.

The carpark to the rear of Aardvark Veterinary Clinic on Chester Road, Whitby had been the site of a Traveller encampment which was first set up on November 16.

The group had arrived in two caravans, which were parked on the site.

This morning (Monday, November 20) it was confirmed by Cheshire West and Chester Council that the group had moved on.

The Cheshire and Warrington Traveller Team (CWTT) monitors and manages encampments throughout Cheshire East and West and Warrington Borough Council areas.

The car park behind the same vets has previously been the site of another unauthorised encampment, with two caravans also having settled on the site last month. CWTT have since confirmed that this was the same group.

A spokesperson said: "The group were present from November 16 to November 17. They were served a section 60c notice requiring them to vacate the location and meaning that they cannot return to this same location for 1 year.

"The last encampment on this car park arrived on October 22 and left on October 24 and was the same group, however they left on their own accord last time."