A TRAVELLER has appealed for calm from residents in Radcliffe after he and his family have received numerous threats on social media.

Martin Reilly, 40, his 38-year-old pregnant wife and five children have been waiting for the Bury Council to rehome them after having to leave their previous caravan site because the owner sold the land.

While they await, the family has been allowed to stay in a council-owned field next to Newbank Garden Centre in Bury Road, Radcliffe, but say they have have since received a volley of abuse on social media.

Mr Reilly, who has lived in Bury for 20 years, says he has always played by the rules.

He said: “I have always paid rent and council tax wherever we have been so I don’t think it is fair where all the abuse is coming from.

“My wife is in and out of hospital with the pregnancy and so it is not helping at all.

“She can’t sleep at night for fear because of the threats and the kids are worried, too.”

Since having to leave their previous location in Taylor Street, Radcliffe four weeks ago, the family has been waiting to hear from the council.

He said: “We haven’t caused any disruption to anybody. We were living quite comfortably and paying our way before we had to leave.”

Councillors in the area have spoken to residents and the family about the situation.

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart said: “We are working with Environmental and Leisure services who are currently willing to tolerate this family on the temporary basis whilst dealing with their welfare needs.

“We will continually review this with a view to provide it a positive outcome for all.”

Four of the youngest children in the family attend Radcliffe Primary School and with another on the way, Mr Reilly says their safety and welfare is paramount.

He said: “I have five children living with me now, and one on the way in November, the youngest is one-year-old. I just want to be able to protect them.”

Cllr Catherine Preston who has actively been involved with the case, condemned the behaviour of some individuals and called for calm.

She said: “Any kind of vigilante behaviour from either side will simply not be tolerated.

“I would ask everyone involved to be as patient as possible in the meantime whilst we look to find a solution.”

No one at Bury Council was available to comment.