A number of travellers are still camped at a park and ride car park on the edge of Winchester.

The group set up camp at South Winchester Park & Ride last Monday, with residents reportedly seeing pickup trucks towing caravans towards the site.

Hampshire Police has said it is 'aware' of the unauthorised encampment and has already sent officers to 'assess the situation'.

However, a week since they started camping, the travellers continue to be at the park.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson earlier said: "We are working closely with the landowners, Winchester City Council, to seek a suitable resolution."

Winchester City Council insisted Hampshire County Council is dealing with the issue.

A spokesperson for the county council said: “We are aware of the travellers who are currently located without prior permission on County Council-owned land, adjacent to South Winchester Park & Ride. Following a site visit to assess the situation and to discuss welfare issues, we have issued a notice to request the Travellers vacate the land, however this has not been complied with. We are now seeking a court hearing to progress an eviction order.”

This isn't the first time the park and ride car park has been used as a base for an illegal settlement. In 2017, a group of more than 50 travellers moved onto the site. Just last year, a further 19 caravans were moved on from the Otterbourne Road location.

Other park and ride car parks, including St Catherine's, have also proved popular spots.

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