DOZENS of travellers have moved on after setting up camp in a major park and ride car park on the outskirts of Winchester.

A new camp has set up in Greta Park, Hedge End, but it is not know if these are the same travellers.

The group appeared at South Winchester Park and Ride and a picture from the scene shows caravans parked in the area.

Winchester City Council and Hampshire Constabulary were both “monitoring” the situation and a parish council believes more than 50 people moved in.

Colden Common Parish Council had issued an alert to residents about the situation which stated that large open spaces be protected.

The alert said: “The parish council may suspend parking at Colden Common Park and lock the gate at all times in response to the information below, an update will be issued later.

“The police have issued an urgent warning this morning that a large group of travellers - over 50 and growing in number - are currently encamped at the South Winchester Park and Ride.

“The police are unsure as to where the travellers will be heading next, as a body or in groups.

"They advise that large open spaces (recreation grounds or large fields) be protected for the time being."

Meanwhile Sergeant Stuart Gilmore said: "Please be vigilant around any open spaces that you have within your parishes during the next few days and consider whether there is any opportunity to “target harden” your open spaces.

"There is no reliable information or intelligence to indicate where this group are heading next but the sheer size of the group necessitates a significant sized plot of land if they want to stay together so recreation grounds and car parks may be attractive potential sites.

A spokeswoman at Winchester City Council said there was no disruption to the park and ride service.