DOZENS of traveller families were forced from a leisure centre car park in a Hampshire market town centre this morning.

More than 30 vehicles moved onto the Romsey Rapids car park off Southampton Road at about 10.30pm on Sunday night taking up a third of the space there.

Hampshire police were called into deal with the situation at the car park which is owned by Test Valley Borough Council and moved them on.

A spokesman said: “A total of 37 vehicles were reported to be on site which caused significant disruption to those wanting to use the car park and the leisure facility.

“As a result, Test Valley District Inspector Paul Markham authorised a Section 61 notice which was served to the travellers at 10.30am on Monday, May 23. The travellers then left the site.”

They added that Section 61 powers of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, can be considered by police in the following circumstances:
• Significant nuisance or criminal behaviour
• Unacceptable levels of damage to land or property to gain entry or remain
• Danger to travellers from the chosen site, such as environmental health factors

Inspector Markham said:  “In using these powers, Hampshire Constabulary will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary. 

“I hope this swift action to move the travellers on from locations that were unsuitable will convey to all sections of the community that a robust approach will be taken against encampments within legal parameters.

“We will continue to work closely with partner agencies and private landowners to manage unauthorised encampments and identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder in order to target harden these sites.”

A spokesman from Test Valley Borough Council said they were working with officers and Romsey Rapids operators Valley Leisure.