A GROUP of travellers were removed by police from Fordingbridge Rugby Club.

Officers from the New Forest used Section 61 powers to move on the group, who arrived on the fields yesterday evening (Wednesday) with a number of vehicles including four caravans and a camper van.

A section 61 order was authorised by Inspector Chris Spellerberg at 11.55pm, requiring the group to leave by this afternoon.

Hampshire Constabulary say the decision to used section 61 powers was taken following discussions with the rugby club and Fordingbridge Town Council, who is the landowner. They also said the group presented a disruption to the usual timetable of community events at the rugby club and facilities could be damaged by the inappropriate use of vehicles on the land.

The group left just before midday today.

Inspector Chris Spellerberg 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.”