A FAMILY of travellers has evaded eviction from a plot in Colden Common by moving its caravan a few metres onto another field.

Police and bailiffs visited Nob’s Crook last week to remove Michelle Shand and Mitchell Mills, both 37, who the landowner claims had settled without permission.

The pair lived there for several years with four children and are in a legal dispute with landowner Anna Gaillard.

But officials were unable to evict them because they moved their caravan onto unregistered land nearby.

Chairman of Colden Common Parish Council, Cllr Richard Izard, said: “It’s all just chaos. Police were there all afternoon. The bailiffs then arrived. The travellers have moved their static caravan onto a different bit of land; it’s all a bit clever. The police were rather hampered.

“It’s all a bit confusing."

Ms Shand, who moved to Southampton with her children last year, was visiting Mr Mills in Nob's Crook when bailiffs arrived last Thursday.

Sgt Stuart Gilmour attended the scene with three officers to ensure there was no breach of the peace. Contractors and a forklift truck were also present to clean up the scene, which Ms Shand said was intentionally strewn with tyres and other rubbish.

Hampshire Chronicle:

How the site looked when police arrived

Ms Shand said: "If people left us alone, that place would look lovely, but they've got lots of people up the lane that can't help but stick their noses in."

A spokesman for Winchester City Council said: “We understand the travellers have moved to adjoining land and this will be investigated by our planning enforcement team in the usual way to establish the facts, determine if there is a planning breach and, if there is, decide what action is appropriate.

“This is assuming that the landowner – if known - does not instigate his/her own action.”

Colden Common is a popular area for travellers. Several are believed to have gathered recently on Portsmouth Road, between Marwell Zoo and Bishop’s Waltham.