TRAVELLERS have moved onto Skipton's Coach Street car park.

The group, including six caravans and cars, moved onto the site – at the far end of the car park – on Monday, shortly after the area was cleared following the weekend's International Puppet Festival.

A Craven District Council spokesman said it is working to resolve the matter.

“We are aware of a number of unauthorised vehicles on Coach Street car park. We are working with our legal advisors to resolve the issue.”

Inspector Geoff Crocker, from Skipton Police, said officers would only move travellers on as a last resort, and that it would be up to the council to make contact with them and move to eviction, if it is willing to do so.

"We would use our powers if, say, they were on a roundabout or on a school that is open – basically, where there is significant risk of danger or conflict," he said.

Insp Crocker added the travellers could be in the car park for a while.

"One of the main problems is the council normally goes to the county court, firstly to obtain possession and then to obtain an eviction. This can take up to two weeks and costs hundreds of pounds."

He added he understood the travellers had not indicated what their plans are.

"We will see them every day and ask them what their plans are and support the district council with their visits, if they need us."