TRAVELLERS that have moved into a Winchester car park have been asked to leave.

There are approximately 10 vehicles at the Cattle Market car park which have been there since Tuesday.

A city council spokesman said they were told on Wednesday that they do not have permission to be there and must leave, but today official notice was served which means they must leave by Sunday. 

He said: “During the visit the leader of the group told officers that they would be gone today (Friday), others said Sunday.

“Penalty charge notices have been issued to vehicles as appropriate.

“Hampshire County Council’s gypsy liaison officer has visited to undertake an assessment of the group’s welfare needs.

“If the group do not leave voluntarily the next steps are either for the police to use their powers to remove them or for the city council to pursue a legal route.”

The travellers are thought to be French and moved in just over a month after a family of 22 left the same car park after a 10 day stay.

On Tuesday a city council spokesman said: “We believe they have visited before.”