DEVELOPER Berkeley Homes has started legal action to get rid of travellers camped outside Knowle village.

Yesterday the housebuilder responsible for the 53-acre development just outside Fareham took the first step by serving an eviction notice.

The convoy of eight caravans, cars and trucks moved onto the grass verge of the entrance road to Knowle on Friday.

Five days on they are still there.

Angus Michie, managing director of Berkeley Homes (Hampshire) said: "In the interests of our residents, Berkeley Homes has applied for an eviction notice to be served on the travellers who have settled on land on the outskirts of Knowle Village.

"However, we have been advised that the legal process can take up to three weeks. It is our understanding that the travellers do intend to move on within the next few days but if they do not the notice to evict will be enforced as soon as it is granted."

An enforcement officer from Fareham Council's health and regulatory services department visited the site yesterday morning.

Now the council is backing the land-owner's bid to reclaim the land.

Fareham council leader Sean Woodward said he was pleased Berkeley Homes had acted so promptly. He said: "Hopefully the travellers will be gone soon."

Alison Matthews of Knowle Village Residents' Asssociation was also pleased action had been taken.

She said: "The residents are obviously not very happy that the travellers are there. It's a constant problem for us every year. They are doing their circuit and now it's our turn again."

Mrs Matthews of Greater Horseshoe Way said some people living in the village had felt intimidated and were concerned about their property and belongings.

In the past travellers have cost taxpayers £50,000 a year in court costs and clean-up bills after setting up temporary homes across the borough.