A group of travellers have caused outrage after buying a six-acre green belt field - and turning it into a gravel car park within 72 hours.

Before and after photos reveal how the plot on the outskirts of Burtonwood, Cheshire, was transformed over the Bank Holiday weekend.

In just three days a 10ft-high wooden fence was erected along the boundary and half of the field was covered in hard core and gravel.

Around 13 caravans, four vans, a digger and three cars were parked on the hardcore earlier this week.

Following the unauthorised work a retrospective planning application has been submitted to the local council.

Warrington Borough Council has launched an investigation after concerns were raised by nearby residents.

An enforcement notice has also been submitted by the council.

The land was purchased and caravans and associated vehicles moved onto the site on Friday May 23.

Ward councillors Stuart Mann and Kevin Burgess had reported concerns to Cheshire Police and Warrington Borough Council over possible planning breaches.

Scottish Power was also informed to conduct an emergency investigation into a possible attempt to tap into the mains supply.

The council has said it is to "take strong enforcement action within the legal framework" and that "this has already commenced"."

Cllr Mann said: "It is important for it to be known the people who have done this own the land."

"Concerns have been raised and the council needs to ensure that necessary checks and balances have been put in place."

Locals took to Facebook to express their concerns with one saying: "The transformation is shocking."

Another said: "It seems they ain't going anywhere - hopefully they are good neighbours."

One told: "I had to swerve into the hedges at around 11.50 am going up Farmers Lane to avoid a big truck."

Another said: "They are obviously wanting privacy - the speed that the border fence has been erected is phenomenal."

Villagers reported from 6pm Friday 23 May up until Sunday evening excavators were digging up half of the field and removing the earth in tipper trucks - a bulldozer and HGVs were also seen.

They have also told how work went on continuously over the three days with it taking place throughout the night.

The plot is on Farmers Lane, at the junction with Tan House Lane - locals say the land is green belt and is for agricultural use only.

Photos show further work has been reported including a wooden fence and a gate being erected despite visits from authorities.

The landowners have also laid hard standing.

Travellers are an ethnic minority group and are protected under Equalities legislation.

Commenting on the situation, Cllr Mann said: "I would like to thank residents for their patience and support, as well as the many emails and calls I have received."

"I have been in regular contact with Cllr Burgess, who has been working with me on this while on holiday, and I want to reassure you we are ‘firmly joined at the hip' on this issue."

"As matters are now involving a formal and legal process, and to maintain independence of any application and investigation, I am unable to share anything more than is stated below."

"I have met with the chief executive of Warrington Borough Council and the MP for Warrington North to raise our ongoing concerns regarding the development on Farmers Lane."

"I have received, from borough council planning and enforcement teams, that a retrospective planning application has been received, but that it is yet to be validated."

"Any such application has to be determined on its relative merits. This will take a number of weeks."

"Information will be gathered as part of this process which will inform the enforcement position."

Warrington Borough Council also confirmed that it has "established a priority enforcement case" over the situation in Burtonwood."

Though they have said they could not provide full details of the application as they were "waiting on more information"."

Cheshire Police have been approached for a comment.