A GROUP of travellers has invaded a Southampton beauty spot.

Caravans and vans have taken over part of the city’s Riverside Park - just days before the 80-acre site is due to host a major event.

Five caravans are parked along the western edge of a large sports field between Bitterne Park Primary School and the River Itchen.

The park is preparing to host Riverfest 2017, which is taking place next Saturday as part of Southampton Sailing Week.

Billed as a celebration of Southampton’s art and culture, Riverfest will comprise a large number of activities both on and off the water.

Last night people using the park said the site being used by the travellers was next to an area that would be occupied by many of the stalls.

Ward councillor Cllr David Fuller vowed to report the issue to the city council after being contacted by the Daily Echo.

He added: “We need to take drastic action to get rid of the travellers as quickly as possible.

“Riverfest is looking absolutely brilliant. There will be lots going on and we need to make sure that anything that could cause a problem is dealt with.”

The travellers have parked their vans parked beside a row of trees that separate the sports field from the rest of the park. They are thought to have gained access to the site after negotiating a barrier behind Bitterne Park Social Club in Manor Farm Road.

The 32-hectare park is home to a raft of sports and leisure facilities, including six football pitches, two cricket pitches and a tennis court, plus three play areas and a skate park.

Southampton Society of Model Engineers operate a miniature steam railway that is open to the public every Sunday afternoon between late March and mid-October.

Travellers set up camp in the park in 2007 but left after the city council applied for a court order to evict them.