TRAVELLERS have set up at a popular visitor attraction.

Cheshire Police were called to Anderton Boat Lift last night following reports of an unauthorised encampment.

Upon arrival, at around 9.30pm on Monday (July 31), police discovered around 20 caravans camped up on the car park.

Police will return to the site today, with Anderton Boat Lift currently closed.

A spokesperson for the force said: “At around 9.30pm on Monday 31 July Police were made aware of an unauthorised encampment on the car park of the Anderton Boat Lift, in Anderton.

“Police attended the site last night and found approximately 20 caravans were present.

“Officers are set to return today, Tuesday August 1, and further updates will be provided when available.”

Anderton with Marbury Parish Council has confirmed it is aware of the Travellers by the 148-year-old boat lift.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of the encampment on the Boat Lift car park and are in touch with the relevant authorities."

Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre is closed today, the attraction has confirmed.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and thank you for your support and patience," read a post on the the Boat Lift's Facebook page.

"If you are booked onto any of our boat trips, we will be in contact with you this morning.

"Throughout August our sister museum, the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port is open for a fabulous day out!"

The car park is managed by Cheshire West and Chester Council, who have confirmed they are aware of reports of an unathorised encampent at Anderton Boat Lift.

A council officer will be sent to the site.

*UPDATE*

An eviction notice has been handed to the Travellers at Anderton Boat Lift car park.

The group must leave by 11am tomorrow (Wednesday, July 2).

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "At 1pm on Tuesday August 1, officers reattended an unauthorised encampment on a car park at the Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich.

"A Section 61 Notice has been issued ordering those present to leave the site by 11am tomorrow, Wednesday August 2.

"Police will continue to pay passing attention to the site throughout the day and officers will be reattending the site at 11am tomorrow to ensure that the order is complied with."