A GROUP of travellers have 'forced' their way onto an Andover sports park and set up camp near a children's play area.

Several caravans have been spotted on the field in Saxon Fields.

Residents took to a Facebook group called Spotted Andover to share the news in the evening on Tuesday, August 1.

One group member posted calling for residents to report the issue to councillors.

Many residents responded to the post and said they had already done this and had also reported it to police.

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When the Advertiser contacted the police, a spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are aware of an unauthorised encampment on Saxon Fields, Andover, which was reported to us on 1 August.

"Officers have attended to assess the site and are working with Test Valley Borough Council on the next steps."

Luigi Gregori, a councillor for Andover Town Council, has also taken to Facebook after hearing the news.

He posted: "Last night, travellers forced entry onto Saxon Fields Sports Ground.

"TVBC are onsite now (confirming numbers/vehicles etc) and will be instructing bailiffs (subject to welfare assessment) to issue notice to leave, and similarly TVBC legal are preparing instructions to the courts. Police are aware and will be assessing the situation later this morning."

This is not the first time travellers have set up camp near the play park and other areas across the town. In September 2019 eyewitnesses said that a group had arrived and forced their way through the wooden barriers which blocked the site.

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Last May travellers set up an encampment on the athletics track at Charlton Sports Centre after failing to breach the open space at Saxon Fields. Around six caravans could be seen parked up on the newly refurbished track.

Residents also noticed caravans had pulled up along Churchill Way West, between Artists Way and Portway Business Park on June 3 this year.

Police proceeded to conduct checks to identify the perpetrators before confirming they had left the site at Augusta Park on June 4.

A spokesperson from TVBC said: "We’re aware that travellers forced entry onto Saxon Fields Sports Ground last night.

"This was immediately reported to the police who attended the site. In line with our robust approach to unauthorised traveller incursions, we are seeking to remove them as soon as possible.

"Not least because it’s the school holidays and this area of green space should be available to be used by local families. Therefore, as well as liaising with the police, bailiffs are being instructed to issue notice to leave and our legal team are preparing instruction to the courts.”