Travellers have left a popular dog walking field in Totton after setting up an unauthorised camp last Wednesday.

A spokesperson for Totton and Eling Town Council confirmed to the Echo that the camp has now left Eling Recreation Ground, which backs onto Totton Bypass.

The same spokesperson said that the group had "left over the weekend" and that the park is now clear.

More than ten caravans rolled onto the field on Wednesday night, which is also home to an outdoor gym, a water park, a play area and youth centre.

Officers from Totton and Eling Town Council visited the site on the same day, "engaging with both the travelling and local communities in the process", according to Hampshire police.

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

But Councillor David Harrison suggested that travellers used "spades" to remove a "mound" put in place to stop vehicles from entering.

Councillor David Harrison, who suggested travellers used spades to remove a mound at Eling Recreation Ground.Councillor David Harrison, who suggested travellers used spades to remove a mound at Eling Recreation Ground. The county councillor for Totton South and Marchwood said that the town council does all it can to "try and protect the land", but that groups often "come equipped".

Cllr Harrison said: "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.

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

When asked by the Echo, a spokesperson for Totton and Eling Town Council could not confirm or deny the travellers' method of entry and how they gained access to the site.

READ MORE: Councillor: 'Travellers broke into Eling Recreation Ground'

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

"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."

Cllr Harrison said that the detailed policy "takes into account the human rights of the travellers" and that it is important not to do anything that is "not lawful".