CARAVANS branded "an absolute eyesore" will remain outside a town's crematorium for a while longer at least as red tape is negotiated by council bosses.

Caravans have been left on the side of Devonshire Road in Barrow for many months and several residents have called for them to be removed, especially because they are so close to Thorncliffe Crematorium.

On Friday December 23, seven-day order notices were placed on the caravans, ordering owners to move the caravans from the area.

However, two weeks on some caravans remain on the road, frustrating residents who want them removed.

The order told owners that if they failed to move their caravans, then the caravans would be taken away and stored at a cost to them.

But this process has not happened immediately after the seven-day expiry and needs Cumbria County Council to pass on details to Barrow Borough Council as the authority that can remove the vehicles.

Alan Barker, streetcare manager for Barrow Borough Council, said the issue was being dealt with between the different authorities and hoped the procedure would be started soon.

He said: "They are in hand. We have a procedure to go through.

"We are waiting for Cumbria County Council to report them in the proper manner to start our process."

One of the residents to raise the issue of the caravans was Elaine Warden, who lives in nearby Romney Road.

Speaking in December, she said: "It is an absolute eyesore, it's disgusting outside a public cemetery, very disrespectful.

"The back of my house faces onto it and people are always commenting on it and it looks terrible."

As of yesterday afternoon, there were four caravans and one motorhome still parked in Devonshire Road.

Announcing the initial action, PC Paul Williams, of Cumbria police, said: "This has been a repeated issue for some time now, and the caravans not only take up space but create an eyesore for residents who have raised their concerns and requested action.

"Police have attempted to deal with the problem by various means, including issuing fixed penalty notices, but unfortunately this has not solved the problem.

"As a result, we have joined forces with the county council and the local councillor to send a clear message that this illegal parking cannot continue.

"Offences are being committed and it is not acceptable."