POLICE have moved on a group of travellers after they set up at a Hampshire rugby club.

Officers used section 61 powers to force the travellers to leave Fordingbridge Rugby Club after they arrived on Wednesday evening (Aug 12) with four caravans and a camper van.

The order was authorised by Inspector Chris Spellerberg after discussions with the club and landowner Fordingbridge Town Council.

It was decided the travellers were a disruption to the regular timetable of community events at the club and their vehicles could damage the land and facilities.

The travellers were moved on at around midday today (aug 13).

Inspector Spellerberg 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.”

Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows such action if there is:

  • 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.