Hampshire Police officers have used Section 61 powers following reports of an unauthorised traveller encampment at a public park in Fleet.

The travellers set up last week at Ancells Farm Park on Falkners Close, Fleet with several caravans.

There were local reports they had removed a surrounding fence to access the land, which houses a children’s play park and is used for football matches.

Under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, police have the power to direct individuals to leave the land and remove any vehicles or property they have with them.

Failure to comply is a criminal offence.

These powers can be considered in the following circumstances:

  • Communities are deprived of local amenities; or significant impact on the environment
  • There is local disruption to the economy
  • There is other significant disruption to the local community or environment
  • There is a danger to life where there is a need to take preventative action

Following a review of the circumstances surrounding the unauthorised encampment, police utilised these powers today (July 18). The group has now left the area.

Hart Inspector Lisa Eastlake said: “We will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.

“We work closely with landowners and our partners to ensure that a robust approach is taken against unauthorised encampments within legal parameters.

“Our partnership work also seeks to identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder in order to target harden these sites.”