12:10pm Thursday 23rd April 2009
By Patrick Knox
EVICTION action is in the pipeline after travellers set up illegal camps at various sites in the Basingstoke area – including a nature reserve.
The first group arrived in Winklebury Way, in Winklebury, on a grass verge near the Winklebury Football Complex on Monday, April 6.
More travellers arrived on Friday, April 17, and parked on a conservation area in Mill Field, Old Basing, Crockford Lane in Chineham and a lay-by near Wickes in Churchill Way West.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council have both said they will take eviction action to move the travellers on.
Patricia Hughes, head of community protection at the borough council, said: “We are working with our legal team and the police to move the travellers on as quickly as we can.”
Meanwhile, concern is mounting for the Mill Field site because of its delicate ecosystem.
The travellers broke a chain fixed to the gate to keep people out before entering the field with their 4x4 vehicles.
Keith Swan, a member of Mill Field Conservation Group, said this could spell disaster for the delicate bio-system.
He told The Gazette that the site has only just recovered from the last time travellers set up an illegal camp two years ago.
He said: “This is going to be a major setback for the wildlife in the field.”
The conservation group fears that three rare orchids may not grow this year because of the damage caused by vehicles.
Concern is also growing for rare birds, such as the grasshopper warbler and the nightingale, which |may be disturbed and might not return.
Mr Swan added: “This is also a tremendous inconvenience for people who walk in the area.”
Basingstoke and Deane officials are carrying out a “welfare check” on the Mill Field travellers, before issuing a summons for them to leave.
Those camped in Winklebury Way were handed a summons to leave by yesterday.
If they do not go, they could be taken to the magistrates’ court.
Local sites that could be potentially targeted by travellers are now being secured to keep them out.
The borough council is also urging anyone with concerns about any unauthorised traveller sites to contact the local authority on 01256 844844.
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