THE leader of Basingstoke council has praised the 'swift' action of various parties in removing unwanted visitors at a leisure facility in the town yesterday (Tuesday, June 7).

Following reports of an unauthorised traveller encampment at Down Grange, Cllr Simon Bound said this morning that he could "confirm that this group were moved on early yesterday evening".

Posting to Facebook, the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council leader added: "This was as a result of great team work from various officers from departments including the CSPO’s, Housing Standards and Operations as well as our colleagues in the police.  

"Reports indicated that there were some particularly challenging behaviours so ensuring swift removal from such a high profile area is a really good outcome and shows the continued importance of our high court injunction."

SEE ALSO: Travellers moved off Down Grange running track

In 2018, the authority secured a High Court injunction alongside Hampshire County Council which grants them the power to move on groups which set up camp without permission. 

This is not the first time it has been used at Down Grange. In May 2020, a group was moved on within 24 hours of arriving at the site. 

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