TRAVELLERS that set up an unauthorised encampment in Tadley last week have moved on, police have confirmed.

The group, which have been in the car park of Tadley Health and Fitness, off New Road, since Wednesday, left the site "sometime before 4.15pm" on Friday, a Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson confirmed to The Gazette today.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have a temporary High Court injunction, which makes it illegal for unauthorised encampments to be set up, in place across a large part of Basingstoke town centre and Bramley, but that area does not cover Tadley.

The council's Head of Environmental Services, Tom Payne, previously said: “We are aware of the unauthorised encampment at Tadley Swimming Pool and Gym.

"We have visited the site, which is outside of the injunction area, and are working with the police to take the relevant next steps to secure possession of this land as quickly as possible.

“While carrying out this work we are also taking into consideration guidance from government relating to unauthorised encampments during the Covid-19 outbreak.”

One of the travellers had previously told The Gazette: "We just need somewhere to stay, and won't be here long before we move off again."