An unauthorised traveller incursion has been removed from West Street car park near Andover Leisure Centre at the weekend (Saturday, March 6).

The travellers left under threat of arrest after Hampshire Constabulary attended the scene with Test Valley Borough Council’s injunction order.

The car park is particularly sensitive as it is the closest parking for the vaccine centre at The Lights.

The injunction makes it illegal for travellers from setting up unauthorised encampments within Andover which extends from Wherwell in the west to Picket Piece in the east.

Test Valley Borough Council obtained the injunction order last summer to remove unauthorised travellers within hours.

Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “I’m grateful to Hampshire Constabulary for promptly attending the scene armed with Test Valley Borough Council’s injunction.”

“The injunction that we obtained last summer meant that we were able to remove them within hours, rather than it taking up to week as it would’ve done previously, ensuring the car park continues to be available for patients.

“I hope this acts as a further deterrent that illegal encampments in and around Andover will not be tolerated.”