GYPSY and traveller encampments on Hampshire County Council land will be dealt with more quickly, bosses claim, following a review of procedures.

The council’s policy to control such encampments was last reviewed in 1996 but each year there are about 60 illegal encampments on county council land, involving between 150 and 200 individual caravans.

Over the last three years, these camps have cost an average of around £26,300 to deal with. The county council says that in future it will first apply through the magistrates’ courts to reclaim land and minimise the impact on the local community and residents.

This is swifter than the previously-employed civil courts route which can take up to 21 days to secure a hearing. Informal negotiations and the welfare checks that are required by law will, however, continue to run alongside this magistrates’ court process.

The county says that while its Gypsy and Traveller Team secures 40 per cent of all evictions as a result of direct informal negotiation, in some cases, legal action via the courts is required.

Council leader Councillor Ken Thornber said: “When an illegal encampment appears, it is very often contentious and unwelcome, presenting a number of issues and concerns for local residents and the landowner.

“We are fully aware that illegal encampments can result in nuisance and cost to the taxpayer, in legal terms as well as the clean-up costs. Therefore, the sooner that the eviction process is completed, the better.

“By applying to the magistrates’ courts, we can speed up the process and minimise the disruption and impact on local residents as well as the disruption to those members of the travelling community.

“We are also fully aware of the cost and nuisance that illegal encampments can have on private landowners and so where they occur on private land, our officers will continue to provide advice and guidance.”