SCORES of travellers have forced entry into a disused army base on the edge of Winchester.

Residents described seeing a 'convoy' of caravans move the concrete barricade and head into Bushfield Camp off Badger Farm Road late Thursday evening.

Police said they are aware of the encampment and have already paid a visit to the 15 hectare plot - which has been disused since the 1970s.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "We were made aware of an unauthorised encampment at around 10.20pm yesterday evening (26 May) at Bushfield Camp on Badger Farm Road in Winchester.

"Officers have visited the encampment and continue to monitor the situation, whilst working closely with the landowners and Winchester City Council to seek a suitable resolution."

The landowners of Bushfield Camp, the Church Commissioners, have attempted the develop the area for housing and even a Tesco superstore in the 1980s, but were always resisted by the city council.

READ MORE: In pictures: The 'unacceptable' mess left behind by travellers across Hampshire

The military camp has since been earmarked for a ‘knowledge park’ but the economic situation makes that highly uncertain.

This is the second time in as many weeks police have been called out to travellers who have forcibly set up camp across the Winchester district.

Shedfield Parish Council had to hire professional cleaners to deal with piles of mess - including clothes, food and human excrement - which were left on the common by travellers who tore up wooden posts to access the site.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.