TRAVELLERS who have moved on to a former gypsy site on the outskirts of Basingstoke have been told they must go by Monday.

Hampshire County Council, which owns the site at Peak Copse near Dummer, applied to the county court for an eviction order after the land was invaded by scores of travellers earlier this month.

The notice was served last Monday and warns the travellers they must leave by December 2.

The travellers invaded the site within days of the county council ruling it should be permanently closed.

To gain access, they cleared away tons of concrete and earth which was blocking the entrance road to the site on the A30.

Around 18 caravans with 70 people, including children, occupied the site.

A spokesman for the travellers said they were claiming squatters' rights and added: "We intend to stay here for a lifetime and send our kids to the schools around here."

Peak Copse was opened as a permanent travellers' site in 1992 but, following violent disturbances involving families staying there, it was temporarily closed in 1996.

Earlier this month, Hampshire County Council decided the temporary closure should become a permanent one, although some councillors have attacked the decision.

Council leader Cllr Ken Thornber has refused to back down, and county officials are now working on a proposal which could see the site being used to recycle waste products.

There is the possibility of siting a re-manufacturing plant for white electrical goods there, which would remove gasses, take out parts that still work, recycle plastic and remove metal for scrap value.

A car park and access to nearby woodland for recreational use could also be provided.