TRAVELLERS have set up camp on a football pitch in Southampton.

Police swooped on a football field near Goals five-a-side football centre in Millbrook yesterday after four caravans gained access to the site.

The vehicles were parked on the field, while another caravan was positioned near the car park.

More than 10 police officers were seen at the scene and several police cars and vans were parked along Third Avenue.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said officers were called to the scene at 1.57pm.

And added: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment on land off of Millbrook Point Road. Officers have attended the area and spoken with those on scene. We have also liaised with the landowners.”

The land is owned by Southampton City Council and managed by Active Nation.

A spokesman for Active Nation said all the activities set to take place at the site in Millbrook over the weekend have been cancelled, but he was unable to comment further.

Opposition councillor Steven Galton was at the scene yesterday and said: “The police have been informed and they are doing their best to stop more caravans. I am going to see what support we can give to the police. We have had other travellers here before.”

As previously reported, an unauthorised encampment was set up at the site at the end of June.

Mr Galton, councillor for Millbrook ward, said: “Since last time they have put in additional bollards and repaired the gate.

“More sites for the travellers and signposts would help, but going on a sports field is not a solution.

“Not being able to use the sports pitch is a problem. I’ll speak with the council and I’ll do everything I can do ensure that it is solved as soon as possible.”

Southampton City Council was unable to comment before the Daily Echo went to press.

In a Facebook post, Goals said: “Due to some complications, the Goals car park may be fully or partly inaccessible for the next few hours.”