Travellers spotted in Beggarwood near children's play park

The Gazette understands that the travellers arrived at Beggarwood park late in the evening on Monday, July 10.

Residents and councillors reported their presence at the park early on Tuesday, July 11, near to the children's play park and Beggarwood Community Centre. 

It is thought that access was gained into the park from the access road alongside Hatch Warren Retail Park, as the gate had been opened and the height restriction bar moved.

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Gate opened and height restriction bar moved for access (Image: Cllr Stephen Reid)

Deputy mayor, Cllr Dan Putty said: "Beggarwood Park is used by many residents in the area and further afield for a variety of services, such as cafe in the park, the children's play park, or just to enjoy the great outdoors. 

"People adore the park, and it is a shame to see it being misused, and in turn making anyone using the park uncomfortable. The council have been informed and we're hoping for a quick resolution to this issue."

County councillor Stephen Reid said: "I am pretty sure that the group accessed the site through the gates off the Hatch Warren Retail Park delivery road. This is used by contractors who need to work in the park.

"I saw that the gates were open and the height restriction bar was pushed back. I also saw a vehicle enter the park via that route and leave again a few minutes later. There were tyre marks on the grass that support the theory that this was the entrance route.

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"The police were due to meet with officials from the borough council at 9am to serve a notice on the travellers requiring them to leave. The borough has an injunction to protect sites like these, and it is therefore not necessary to seek a court order every time.

"I can confirm that the police were there, and I spoke to them. So I am expecting them to be serving the notice to leave this morning, and I am hopeful that by this time tomorrow, the travellers will have gone. It will then be necessary for the borough council to secure the gates once again and decide on any extra measure that it may wish to take."

The travellers have now been moved on. A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "It looks as though the encampment has moved on following instruction from Basingstoke District Council."

The Gazette has contacted Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and for comment but has yet to receive a reply.