LEGAL action is being taken by the city council to remove a second group of travellers from a set of sports pitches in Winchester.

Civic chiefs have said they are "aware" of the travellers, who have been occupying the playing fields at the Garrison Ground next to Winchester Sport & Leisure Park since Sunday, insisting they are already in the process of obtaining an eviction order to turf the group off the Bar End site "as quickly as possible".

Officers visited the leisure centre both last night and this morning, although it isn't yet clear whether any action was taken. Hampshire Police has been contacted for comment.

READ MORE: Council taking legal action after travellers 'defy' request to leave Winchester park and ride

This is the second time in a matter of weeks that enforcement action has been sought to deal with an illegal encampment.

Hampshire County Council is currently taking similar measures after a separate group of travellers 'took over' part of the South Winchester Park & Ride car park last Monday.

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When the Chronicle visited the site late last week there were around five large caravans and a number of work vehicles parked by the treeline at the far end of the lot.

However, city council chiefs have confirmed the group they are currently dealing with have "no relation" to those who are still occupying the park and ride facility.