ACTION will be taken to evict travellers who have invaded Eastleigh playing fields as Hampshire County Council assesses what help it can give to the community.

Local people were taken by surprise when between 26 and 28 vans turned up overnight on playing fields in the Stoneham Lane area on Monday.

Steps are now being taken by the county council to regain the land and force the travellers off - through the courts if necessary.

Council officers have visited the site to assess whether health, welfare and educational needs are being met.

Residents fear that it is just the start of a summer of similar invasions on public land and they are calling on the council to do more.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The measures taken to keep them out were totally inadequate. You need more than just a padlock. There are other areas in the borough that have good protection.

"The council needs to think about reinforcing the perimeter and putting up better barriers that can't be broken through.

"They are a real nuisance. They tend to be loud and often very rude to people.

"Their dogs run wild and my children are scared to go anywhere near the playing field, but at this time of year they should be enjoying themselves out there.

"Every year they turn up and make our lives a misery.

"They go round to people's houses asking if people need jobs doing like hedge trimming, but never do the jobs properly and dump the waste wherever they like.

"Then the taxpayer has to pay to clean up after them."