HAMPSHIRE police have been denounced as “disgusting” and “disgraceful” for failing to evict travellers from a recreation ground in Ringwood.

Furious town councillors want the force to use a special power to move on around a dozen caravans from Carvers recreation area.

More than 1,600 Ringwood School pupils cannot use the field and neither can local cricket teams or residents.

Hampshire Police has a discretionary power to get an eviction within 24 hours using a Section 61 order.

But its internal policy is not to use that special power, a town council meeting heard on Wednesday evening.

“I believe they are choosing not to do it for reasons of cost saving,” said Cllr Jeremy Heron. “They are working for their benefit, and not for the people of Ringwood, and I believe it is disgraceful.”

The meeting heard how Dorset police had recently used Section 61 powers on the same group of travellers encamped in the grounds of Twynham School in Christchurch.

“They were off within 24 hours,” said Ringwood town clerk Terry Simpson.

“Government guidance is that this power can be used on school grounds and places used by children. We have a contract with Ringwood School to use Carvers four days a week.”

He added that the council had received “any number” of phone calls and emails from the public.

Cllr Richard Frampton said: “Hampshire police are trying to keep their budgets intact and are making the people of Ringwood pay. They have left us to hang out to dry.”

The travellers arrived on Monday night. The town council now has to pay for its own Section 77 order and hopes it will be granted by magistrates today.

The council also has to pay for a report by a gypsy liaison officer, for the eviction notice to be served on each individual caravan or tent, and for any damage.

New Forest District Chief Inspector Lucy Hutson said: “We fully understand the concerns and views being expressed by residents and councillors in Ringwood but would remind them that we have a duty of care to all communities.

“The perceived lack of police involvement is not due to costs or resources, it is purely based upon the appropriate use of legislation. The use of Section 61 powers is not appropriate in this instance and we have advised the council why.

“We have also advised what measures they, as landowners, should consider to evict the trespassers and will continue to work with them to prevent further incursions.”

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