Community of travellers spotted setting up camp on Brookers Field in Gosport

Photographs indicate that a number of caravans and cars have been pitched up at the recreation field and police have confirmed that the travellers are on the grounds without permission.

The playing field, which is off of Rowner Road is a popular spot amongst locals and there are five adult picthes and two other varying sized picthes that are available for hire.

The site is owned by Gosport Borough Council and when travellers park on public land, the local authority has the ability, through legal powers, to evict them.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: ‘We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at Brookers Field, Rowner Road, Gosport.

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‘We are working with the landowners to seek a suitable resolution.’

Gosport Borough Council has been dealing with the situation since the end of last month and despite issuing section 77 notices, the travellers have not left the grounds of the park.

A Gosport Borough Council spokesperson said: ‘On Saturday, May 27 we became aware of an unauthorised encampment on Brookers Field. Our Enforcement Officers undertook welfare checks and we have made all attempts to positively engage with the group around leaving the site.

‘We initially issued section 77 notices directing the group to vacate the land, and after a failure to comply, we secured a court hearing for today (June 6) seeking an order granting Gosport Borough Council immediate possession of the site.’