EYESORE caravans which line the road to a cemetery have not been moved - more than seven weeks after initial enforcement action was launched.

The caravans have been left in Devonshire Road outside Thorncliffe Crematorium in Barrow for months, with council bosses negotiating red tape to move them on.

Councillor Martin McLeavy, member for Roosecote, raised the issue again at an overview and scrutiny meeting at Barrow Borough Council last week, calling their continued presence a "disgrace".

Afterwards, he said: ”I'm very disappointed they are still there.

“Cumbria County Council should put a little more emphasis on doing things in Barrow. I'm sure if it had been in Carlisle they would have been long removed.

“We would not have this problem if people had a little more respect for their community and the residents in the area. It is unsightly and makes the road look like a scrapyard and must be very upsetting for people going into the cemetery.”

Seven-day notices were initially placed on the caravans by police on December 23.

The orders instructed owners to move their caravans from the area.

Over seven weeks later, however, and many remain as their removal is negotiated between Cumbria County Council and Barrow Borough Council.

Councillor Bill McEwan represents Ormsgill on Barrow Borough Council and has been dealing with the issue for some time.

He said: “I am disappointed in the delay in removing the caravans.

“The seven-day notice has come and gone and I am as frustrated as the residents.

“I have been in touch with our highways agency to see if we can get this in place as soon as possible as I know the residents' frustration, so I hope the wheels get in motion.

“I have also been in touch to find out what the hold up is and I was informed Cumbria County Council is getting in touch with streetcare of Barrow Borough Council to give the numbers and the information they need to carry out the process.”

Streetcare, however, is still waiting to proceed.

As of Wednesday lunchtime, six caravans remain parked at the side of Devonshire Road, including one with a broken window.

Requests must be made for each vehicle individually, meaning some will be moved more quickly than others.

Alan Barker, streetcare manager for Barrow Borough Council, said: “We didn't issue the orders and nothing has been sent to us yet.

“It has to be reported through the proper channels.

“I am not willing to go to court and look at someone across the courtroom because we took his caravan without following the proper procedure.”

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said: “We are liaising with Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria police to determine how and when these caravans will be removed.

“There is a legal procedure which must be adhered to in situations such as this, the details of which can be found via Barrow Borough Council's website, and action will be taken in line with legal requirements.”