Newts scupper traveller site plan

A colony of newts has been identified on the land

Travellers hoping to establish a site in rural Lancashire could have their plans spoilt by a colony of newts.

The great crested newts were found on the land at Old Clay Lane, near Longridge, after work to prepare the site for caravans had already started.

It is a criminal offence to disturb the amphibians' habitat and police are serving notices on the land owners.

Residents opposed to the development - which did not have planning permission - have welcomed the discovery.

The site was bought by a group of travellers in summer 2007.

Preston Council served the group with a notice ordering them to return the land to its original state by 28 April.

But now new opposition has emerged in the shape of the newts, which are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The site is currently unoccupied

Insp Jameel Murtza, of Lancashire Police, said: "We've identified potential people who may be involved, or who may own the land and may have caused the damage.

"We will serve written notices upon them so no further works or damage can take place.

"After that, we will identify the actual specific owners of the land, interview those individuals and then liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over any charges that may be brought."

Local resident John Bruton, 51, said opponents were "very pleased" that the newts had been found in the area.

"Although it may not stop the development which is going on here, it will certainly delay it and slow it down and make it more difficult for the development to proceed."