ALRESFORD civic boss Lisa Griffiths has calmed residents’ fears that a giant site for travellers is set to be built on farmland near the town.

A rumour has been circulating that a site of 12 acres is proposed for land off Sun Lane, enough to house scores of families.

Councillor Griffiths, town council chairman, said, as part of the Winchester Local Plan to 2031, Alresford was required to find space for five or six pitches, requiring a much smaller plot.

The town and city councils have proposed the site should go next to industrial use at the southern end of Pearsons Down.

Some 320 new houses are proposed for the northern end of the site, near Langtons Farm, with a large open space in the middle.

Across the Winchester district there is a requirement for some 30-35 pitches for travellers.