THE borough council is set to take court action against a 'large' group of travellers who have set up camp on Picket Twenty Sports Ground.

One resident in the local area, who did not wish to be named, told the Advertiser that "a large camp has appeared" and that "they are using the paths as roads and have cut through the locked gates to get the caravans in".

A spokesperson for Test Valley Borough Council confirmed that the authority is aware of the encampement. 

They added: “The illegal encampment currently at Picket Twenty forcibly gained access on Sunday and have been served notice to leave the site.

"A court hearing will take place this afternoon to further this process, and if the occupants remain at the site, then next steps will be taken to move them on with the assistance of bailiffs alongside the police.”

A court hearing addressing the issue is due to take place in Basingstoke on Thursday afternoon (July 28).

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