A GOFUNDME page is looking to raise hundreds of pounds in a bid to stop travellers from camping on a Test Valley recreation ground.
As reported, an unauthorised encampment fled Nursling Recreation Ground, Nursling Street, on Friday, July 3, after spending a week on the site.
They left behind "55 bags” of rubbish and shards of glass, according to chairman of Nursling and Rownhams Parish Council, Cllr Phil Bundy.
Now, the organiser of the GoFundMe page is aiming to raise £1,000 in an effort to strengthen security around the recreation ground.
One community leader threw his support behind the idea, highlighting it demonstrated "a community effort" to protect the land.
Deputy leader for TVBC, Cllr Nick Adams-King, said: "I think it is a brilliant initiative by local people.
"It was clearly traumatic and very stressful for them to have the travellers on the site.
"I know the parish council have done quite a bit of work already [around the ground], because they have the funds to do it.
"But, I am sure the parish council will be happy to accept any help from residents."
He added: "It is good to see a community effort to try and protect the recreation ground in the future."
Cllr Adams-King confirmed on Friday, July 10, a plan will be created "immediately" for parish councils and private landowners, explaining who to contact if travellers arrive on their land.
This could help remove encampments "as quickly as possible" by sharing the "borough's contacts and experience", he added.
MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes, was also in close contact with Cllr Bundy about making trespassing a criminal rather than a civil offence after the travellers arrived on the recreation ground.
Raising the issue in the House of Commons, Ms Nokes said: “Since the weekend [of June 27 and 28], the parish of Nursling and Rownhams has seen acts of vandalism and revoltingly as one of my constituents emailed me this morning, defecation in public places.
“This is going to cost the parish council thousands and thousands of pounds in the clean up, which is absolutely essential, not only to replace security fencing around the recreation ground but also to make sure that it is safe for children families to use in the future.”
Ms Nokes asked leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg to consider giving time for a debate on whether trespass should be a criminal offence.
Mr Rees-Mogg said: “That type of trespass is absolutely revolting and the commitment to make trespass a criminal offence was in the 2019 manifesto and the government intends to deliver on that particular commitment.
READ: Residents criticise travellers for camping on Romsey Rugby Club pitch >>>
“I understand the home office has recently concluded a consultation on this matter and the government will publish a response in due course and this will give the House members the opportunity to discuss this issue in greater depth but the government is on the same side as my right honourable friend.”
To donate to the GoFundMe page, visit https://bit.ly/3iULerU.
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