TRAVELLERS which stopped a business from opening after pitching up on their car park have now vacated the site. 

The car park, near the CookHouse in Prestatyn, is council-owed.

The caravans arrived on Friday. A resident informed the Journal that about 30 caravans were on the car park area on Saturday.

A spokesperson from Denbighshire County Council said: "The council had made regular visits to the site and took a number of measures to minimise the impact on the local area.

"Following the departure, officers have worked quickly and have now cleared site and the car park is now open.

"Welsh Government guidance issued since the outbreak of Covid-19 states that local authorities should not evict, relocate or disperse unauthorised encampments unless there are immediate and substantial risks to public safety and public health arising from continued occupation.

"The council is currently reviewing its procedures and processes to ensure we are doing all we can to limit disruption from any future encampments while also adhering to Welsh Government legislation and guidance.

"The council understands this was a difficult time for many in the area and would like to thank residents and local businesses for their understanding and patience."

The CookHouse was unable to open up to customers on Monday, November 9 - as planned after the fire-break - as a result of the situation. 

A spokesperson fromt the CookHouse told the Journal on Tuesday morning: "When we originally contacted them [the council] on Friday they reluctantly approached the travellers and were told that they were leaving on Sunday by 8pm. Obviously they didn't, so we pressed the council again yesterday who stated the Welsh Government guidance prevents them from issuing a section 77 notice of eviction.

"We could open our doors as planned today, but we will not risk the safety of our staff and customers by doing so.

"The traveller kids are already running amok around the play area and pub garden and we would not expect our staff to have to deal with policing the families, particularly given the Covid-19 policies and social distancing that must be adhered to.

"We had to send our staff home yesterday and are in the position that we cannot welcome them back until the area is clear and they can safely park their cars in the car park, and undertake their duties without any undue worries."

Dr James Davies, MP for the Vale of Clwyd, has been working with the CookHouse to try and resolve the situation.