Concerns are growing that the traveller encampment at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre could "potentially move across the road", Southampton City Council has said.

A group of around 20 caravans turned up to the popular dog walking park next to the leisure centre on Weston Lane on Friday morning.

The leisure centre itself closed on Saturday following "disruption" and "abuse", Places Leisure confirmed to the Echo yesterday.

But now Southampton City Council has acknowledged the "growing concern" that the encampment could potentially "move across the road".

READ MORE: Chamberlayne Leisure Centre next to travellers camp closed

The authority also confirmed that the unauthorised camp has been verbally told to leave.

READ MORE: Local business left out of pocket as travellers force closure of leisure centre

A spokesperson for the authority said: "Southampton City Council's Community Safety team have completed statutory welfare checks with the occupants of the unauthorised encampment at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, Weston Lane, and we are working alongside our partners to follow proper process in using the direction to leave.

"We are able to confirm the occupants have been verbally requested to leave the site, and we are also aware of the growing concern that the encampment could potentially move across the road – but we are working hard to ensure this doesn’t happen.

"As always, we encourage residents to reach out to the police if you notice any incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal activity."

Residents living on the road told the Echo that travellers come to the area every year and have caused problems in the past