TRAVELLERS occupying a Southampton park have been told to quit the site.

Police have taken action after what they describe as increased reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage following the arrival of travellers at Mayfield Park, Woolston.

Posting on social media Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: "We have been working today with the landowners, Southampton City Council, to find a solution.

"I have visited the site this afternoon and have served a Section 61 notice, which in essence gives a lawful direction for the site to be cleared."

Chief Inspector Kennedy said officers would ensure the site was cleared "in a timely manner".

In a separate post, Southampton Cops added: "Officers have today used Section 61 powers to move on an unauthorised encampment who set up on Mayfield Park, Weston Lane

"Under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, powers can be considered by police in the following circumstances:

"Significant nuisance or criminal behaviour.

"Unacceptable levels of damage to land or property to gain entry or remain.

"Danger to travellers from the chosen site, such as environmental health factors.

"Inspector Kirby and Chief Inspector Kennedy have attended the site and issued the notice with an instruction to move on."

READ MORE: Travellers told to leave Mayfield Park

As reported in the Daily Echo, the city council issued a "direction to leave" to the travellers last Friday. 

The encampment, which included about 23 caravans and cars, had arrived at the site in Woolston a few days earlier.

Active Nation, a charity that leases the park, served the travellers with a formal direction to leave last Thursday, but they remained on the site.

A city council spokesperson said the authority would apply to the courts to have the occupants evicted if they continued to occupy the park.

Anyone with information on anti-social behaviour or criminality can contact the police on 101 or online.