A councillor has suggested that travellers used "spades" to remove a "mound" put in place to stop vehicles from entering a popular dog walking field in Totton.

More than ten caravans rolled into Eling Recreation Ground on Wednesday night, which backs onto Totton Bypass and is home to an outdoor gym, a water park, a play area and youth centre.

A spokesperson for Totton and Eling Town Council confirmed to the Echo on Thursday that it was "following legal procedures" and "liaising with police".

But now Councillor David Harrison, county councillor for Totton South and Marchwood, has suggested that the travellers may have hid to dig their way onto the site.

READ MORE: Over 10 caravans roll into popular green space as travellers pitch up

He said: "We do what we can as a council to do what we can to try and protect the land, but unfortunately these people are really determined and come equipped.

"In this case, they probably used angle grinders and I understand they had several men with spades removing a mound the council had put in to stop the vehicles from entering."

A spokesperson for Totton and Eling Town Council could not confirm or deny the travellers' method of entry.

Cllr Harrison explained how the town council had approved "a new policy" earlier in the year to "deal with these issues".

Councillor David Harrison said that travellers often come equipped.Councillor David Harrison said that travellers often come equipped. (Image: NQ) "It involves very quick contact, so we can get an officer along to reach out to them and try to persuade them to leave as soon as possible," he explained.

"Mostly that happens fairly quickly. But of course at the same time, we set in enforcement action, which we hope won’t be necessary because there are costs involved.

"The detailed policy we’ve agreed takes into account the human rights of the travellers and its obviously important we don’t do anything that’s not lawful.

"It’s always unfortunate, we see it most years on council land at about this time."

READ MORE: Totton: Council following procedures as travellers in Eling

Councillor Neville Penman previously told the Echo that council officers had visited the site on Wednesday evening, the day they arrived.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: “We are aware of an unauthorised encampment at Eling Recreation Ground, Totton.

“Officers are continuing to visit the encampment, engaging with both the travelling and local communities in the process.

“We continue to support our local partners in order to seek a suitable resolution.”