At least 12 caravans park at Bartons Triangle in West Leigh as travellers arrive for second time in a month

A RECREATION field in West Leigh has again been turned into an unauthorised encampment after travellers arrived at the site for the second time in a month.
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Pictures show at least 12 caravans and three towing vehicles parked up at Bartons Triangle, off Bartons Road.

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Groups have also been moved on from Purbrook Heath and Hampshire Farm in Emsworth this month.

Travellers parked at Bartons Triangle, West Leigh, after arriving on July 31 for the second time in a month. Picture: Dave HainesTravellers parked at Bartons Triangle, West Leigh, after arriving on July 31 for the second time in a month. Picture: Dave Haines
Travellers parked at Bartons Triangle, West Leigh, after arriving on July 31 for the second time in a month. Picture: Dave Haines

West Leigh resident Dave Haines said the last encampment at Bartons Green caused a headache for residents.

‘Last time there was a load of glass left in the children’s playground,' the 60-year-old said.

‘This was all over Facebook and it makes you worry for the kids.’

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Havant Borough Council officers have visited the encampment and asked the travellers to leave.

The authority will go to Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court to repossess the site if needed.

Councillor Narinder Bains, the council's cabinet lead for neighbourhoods, previously said the authority was looking into the prospect of digging ditches to stop vehicles pitching up at vulnerable borough sites.

She said the council had been ‘inundated' by reports of unauthorised encampments this year.

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The council is working with police, who will be attending the Bartons Triangle daily.

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