POLICE officers from the New Forest have moved on a group of travellers who set up at Ringwood Leisure Centre.

As reported, the group arrived on Sunday, June 28 in the carpark of the leisure centre on Parsonage Barn Lane.

The encampment restricted access to Ringwood School, resulting in it being closed on Monday.

Section 61 powers can be used if groups are causing significant nuisance or criminal behaviour, are creating damage to the land or there is danger to the travellers.

Inspector Mike Minnock said: “In using these powers, Hampshire Constabulary will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.

“I hope this swift action to move the travellers on from locations that were unsuitable will convey to all sections of the community that a robust approach will be taken against encampments within legal parameters.

“We will continue to work closely with partner agencies and private landowners to manage unauthorised encampments and identify repeat locations where there has been criminality or disorder in order to target harden these sites.”