Winchester'S best known busker was evicted on Wednesday. The riverside dome home in which Frank Williams has lived for more than a decade was dismantled.

The action followed Winchester City Council winning its three-year- county court battle against Mr Williams, who contested that the council owned the Garnier Road land by the Itchen.

As well as being thrown out, Mr Williams, 54, is faced with court costs totalling £1,750.

Standing by this week with moral support as Mr Williams moved his belongings, and his three-legged dog, Frankie, off the site, were 'King' Arthur Pendragon, who stood as an Independent candidate in the May General Election, Alan Weeks, chairman of Winchester Residents' Association, Ian Tait, Independent city councillor for St Michael ward, John Green, a resident of Christchurch Road, and several police officers.

Mr Williams said: "I am always ready for whatever turns up. I am in the process of building another place, but I won't say where!"

'Debs', Mr Williams's neighbour who lives in a caravan next to his dome, and who is not being evicted, said: "The saddest thing is that no one is prepared to let anyone live their own lives.

"If they are not happy with us living in trailers, or things like that, they should provide somewhere reasonable for us to live."

Mr Pendragon said: "It's just stupid. They are just being very petty-minded about it and should leave Frank here."

Mr Green said: "I am here to protest because this is a prime example of council incompetence and inefficiency.

"They have allowed Frank to set up home and they should let him stay. "He does more good than harm where he is."

Cllr Sheila Campbell, leader of Winchester City Council, said there was no vendetta against Mr Williams, as had been suggested.

"The council is taking the appropriate action as a landowner. If we had not it would have set a dangerous precedent and encouraged others to follow suit.

"As a landowner we would take similar action again, and would encourage other landowners to do the same if people are on their land without permission."

Francis Pott, another of Mr Williams's supporters, has set up a PO Box address for donations to help Mr Williams pay his court costs.

Cheques, made payable to Francis Pott, should be sent to PO Box 453, Winchester SO23 3AB.