A GROUP of travellers has set up camp at a Southampton recreation site "days" after the last travellers left.

The travellers are currently at Millbrook Recreation Ground after Active Nation, who manage the land, launched legal action against the group.

Councillor Stephen Galton, who represents Millbrook on the city council, said: “There was lots of glass and I was concerned about some of the sharp edges of broken plastic, which could go seriously injure someone.

“Hundreds if not thousands of people are affected by not being able to play football and it is quite disheartening when children and families should be able to enjoy the recreation ground.”

A Southampton resident said: “The council have been cleaning up the recreation ground today and when they were picking up the rubbish the travellers came onto the site. My daughter plays football and she has not been playing matches for two weeks because of the travellers.

“The children couldn’t play a major competition at the weekend due to the field being contaminated with litter.”

As previously reported in the Echo, Cllr Galton said the travellers were only due to stay for a couple of days, while a young child undergoes major surgery in hospital.

Active Nation issued a letter to the traveller and police visited the site along with Active Nation to continue the legal process.

A spokesman said: “The charity has initiated discussions with Court Enforcement Services who will support and aid the next stage should the encampment fail to adhere to the instructions received.”

The Daily Echo has contacted Hampshire Constabulary for comment.